Kim Byungki: "I Will Not Leave the Party Even If Expelled... I Will Resolve the Issues If Given Time"

Kim Byungki Denies Allegations,
Says "Investigations Will Reveal the Truth"

Kim Byungki, former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is facing various allegations including nomination bribery, stated on January 5 that there are no legal issues and declared, "Even if I am expelled, I will not leave the party of my own accord."

Appearing on the News Tomato YouTube channel that morning, Kim responded to the host's question regarding whether his resignation from the party was being discussed following the expulsion of Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo. He said, "I am deeply sorry and apologize," adding, "I do not want to link this to leaving the party. If I leave, I have no reason to continue in politics."

Kim is suspected of covering up allegations that Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo received 100 million won in illicit funds ahead of the 2022 local elections. In response, Kang's side explained that she did not accept the 100 million won and returned it, and that at the time, aides who were former lawyers advised her there would be no legal problems.

He further stated, "The reason for maintaining the cutoff was not because of the nomination bribery allegations, but because the issue of multiple home ownership had not been revealed." However, he clarified that he was unable to attend the meeting due to another issue and did not acquiesce to the decision to nominate a single candidate.

Yonhap News Agency

Regarding former Assemblywoman Lee Sujin's claim, made ahead of the 2024 general election, that "Assemblyman Kim received 30 million won from a former district councilor," Kim responded, "The facts regarding the petition will soon be clarified. The two district councilors were not even candidates in the general election and were actually my rivals," thereby denying the bribery allegations.

He continued, "Even if I am cleared of charges in the police investigation and retire, I will not leave the party. Even if it means being expelled," he emphasized.

He added, "For most of the allegations raised, it will not take long to prove the facts. The allegations against Assemblywoman Kang or those involving my wife will be clearly revealed once investigated. If you give me time, I will resolve them."

He concluded, "Regardless of the reasons, as the former floor leader of the ruling party, I am sorry and apologize. I resigned from the floor leader position because I believed I should not hinder state affairs, but now, as a member of the National Assembly, I want to resolve this issue within the party."