Democratic Party Expels Kang Sunwoo over '100 Million Won Nomination Fund Allegation'... Requests Disciplinary Action for Kim Byungki to Ethics Tribunal

Emergency Supreme Council Reaches Disciplinary Decision on Kang Sunwoo Within Three Days of Allegations
Kim Byungki Referred to the Ethics Tribunal
Kang Sunwoo Expelled Despite Having Already Left the Party

On January 1, the Democratic Party of Korea expelled Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo, who is under suspicion of receiving nomination funds during the last local elections. The party also requested the Central Party Ethics Tribunal to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Assemblyman Kim Byungki, who is suspected of having overlooked Kang's alleged acceptance of money despite being aware of it.

The Democratic Party made these decisions at an emergency Supreme Council meeting held that evening. Park Suhyeon, the party’s chief spokesperson, met with reporters after the meeting and stated, “Assemblywoman Kang had already left the party, but we proceeded with her expulsion,” and added, “With regard to Assemblyman Kim, based on the results of the Ethics Inspection Team’s investigation reported to the Supreme Council, we have resolved to request a prompt disciplinary decision from the Central Party Ethics Tribunal.”

Yonhap News

The decision to expel Assemblywoman Kang came three days after the allegations surfaced and just two days after the Ethics Inspection Team launched its investigation. Prior to the Supreme Council’s decision, Kang had already announced her departure from the party, stating, “I have already placed too much of a burden on the party and its members, and I cannot impose any further.” However, the Democratic Party decided to discipline her despite her declaration of withdrawal. Previously, a similar disciplinary measure was taken against Assemblyman Lee Choonseok, who was expelled despite also announcing his departure from the party.

Assemblywoman Kang is suspected of having received 100 million won from Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung during the 2022 local elections. Although Kang denied the allegations of accepting money in exchange for a nomination, she ultimately announced her withdrawal from the party.

Disciplinary action has also begun in earnest against Assemblyman Kim, who is accused of having overlooked Kang’s acceptance of money despite being aware of the circumstances. Initially, Kim was reportedly excluded from the Ethics Inspection Team’s investigation. However, in reality, instructions for the investigation were issued on the 25th of last month. Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae only belatedly confirmed that an inspection order had been given on that day.

Chief spokesperson Park stated that the investigation report on Assemblyman Kim by the Ethics Inspection Team has been submitted to the Ethics Tribunal. He added, “The Ethics Tribunal can not only make a ruling on Assemblyman Kim but also conduct its own investigation, so both his explanation and further inquiries will take place.”