Democratic Party Weighs Kim Byung-ki's Departure... Leadership Says "Let's Wait for Ethics Tribunal"

Jin Sungjoon: "I Hope He Chooses the Party Over Himself"
Park Jung: "Members and the Public Should Have a Chance to Judge"

The Democratic Party of Korea is in turmoil over the departure of former Floor Leader Kim Byung-ki, who is embroiled in various suspicions. While there have been public calls for him to leave the party for its own sake, others argue that the party should wait until the Ethics Tribunal scheduled for the 12th before making any decisions. The party leadership has decided, for now, to wait for the final judgment of the Ethics Tribunal.

On the 7th, Moon Jin-seok, acting Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on YTN Radio regarding former Floor Leader Kim, "The Democratic Party maintains the principle of strictly verifying the facts and taking appropriate measures based on the same standards, regardless of one's position or role." He added, "At this stage, rather than taking extraordinary measures, the leadership intends to wait for the final decision of the Ethics Tribunal based on the results of the party's internal inspection."

Moon, who previously assisted Kim as Senior Deputy Floor Leader, predicted that despite calls from both inside and outside the party for Kim's voluntary departure, he is unlikely to leave on his own. He said, "Former Floor Leader Kim has a strong attachment to the party, so I don't think he will leave voluntarily," and added, "I believe he will accept the outcome once the (Ethics Tribunal meeting on the 12th) results are announced." Moon also shared, "I spoke with former Floor Leader Kim a few days ago, and he said, 'Since the political response is already over, I think the most important thing now is to clear my name through legal action.'"

Within the party, opinions are divided regarding Kim's departure. Assemblyman Jin Sung-joon, who is running in the by-election for Floor Leader, said in a CBS radio interview, "The Ethics Tribunal meeting is scheduled for the 12th, and a disciplinary decision will be made. I hope that, even before then, former Floor Leader Kim will make a choice for the sake of the party."

Yonhap News Agency

Previously, Assemblyman Park Ji-won also stated on social media the day before, "Even if former Floor Leader Kim feels wronged, I tearfully urged him to voluntarily leave the party during a lecture," and added, "I hope he will resolve his grievances through the police investigation and return, so I can see the familiar, straightforward side of my 'younger brother' Kim Byung-ki, whom I affectionately call 'big brother.'"

Some voices within the party are calling to wait and see, as there is not much time left before the Ethics Tribunal meeting. Assemblyman Park Jung, who is also running for Floor Leader, said on SBS radio, "The fact that former Floor Leader Kim would rather be expelled than leave the party suggests he feels a sense of injustice," and added, "I believe party members and the public should be given the opportunity to make their own judgment."