Democratic Party Mired in 'Kim Byunggi Allegations'... "Unlikely to Reach Conclusion Even on the 12th"

Ethics Tribunal Scheduled for the 12th
Complexity of the Case Makes Immediate Disciplinary Action Unlikely
Opposition Pushes for Special Prosecutor and Other Measures

As former Floor Leader Kim Byung-ki has refused to leave the party and expressed his intention to remain and address the allegations, there are growing expectations that the controversy may continue for an extended period.

On January 8, Park Soo-hyun, Chief Spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, suggested in an MBC radio interview that a disciplinary decision may not be reached at the Ethics Tribunal meeting scheduled for the 12th. Park explained, "The investigation by the Ethics Tribunal covers not only the nomination issue involving City Councilman Kim Kyung but also all thirteen allegations that have been raised. Given the number of allegations, it seems unlikely that a disciplinary decision will be made on the 12th." He added, "Since former Floor Leader Kim himself feels there are aspects where he has been treated unfairly, individual rights must be protected regardless of public opinion or party members' demands. The party is frustrated and anxiously waiting, but just because we are in a hurry does not mean we can tie the thread to the middle of the needle and sew," using a Korean proverb to emphasize the need for due process.

He continued, "We apologize to the public, but we are making every effort to clarify the matter quickly and transparently while strictly following all procedures."

Although there have been calls both inside and outside the party for former Floor Leader Kim to leave, he has maintained his position to remain and explain himself. Some media outlets have reported that Kim's side requested a postponement of the Ethics Tribunal meeting scheduled for the 12th. This is understood as an intention to actively clarify his position within the party. Regarding the reports of a postponement request, Chief Spokesperson Park stated, "The facts have not been confirmed," but added, "The disciplinary procedure meeting of the Ethics Tribunal will proceed as scheduled on the 12th."

Kim Byung-ki, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 30th. 2025.12.30 Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

The Democratic Party is particularly troubled by the petition related to nomination funds among the various allegations surrounding former Floor Leader Kim. This petition was delivered by former Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Soo-jin to Kim Hyun-ji, former aide to Lee Jae-myung and current First Secretary at the Presidential Office, at the end of 2023. The petition includes allegations that former Floor Leader Kim received 30 million won in nomination funds ahead of the 2020 general election. As reports have emerged that the petition ended up in Kim's possession, attention has shifted from the veracity of the allegations to the whereabouts of the petition itself. The Democratic Party has confirmed that former aide Kim delivered it to the party secretariat, but has been unable to provide details regarding its subsequent receipt and handling. Park explained, "Even when we ask party officials who were in the relevant department at the time, they do not remember well. The problem is not just with this particular case, but we cannot locate any of the related documents."

As the controversy grew, opposition parties began calling for a special prosecutor to uncover the truth. Previously, Kwak Kyu-taek, Chief Deputy Spokesperson of the People Power Party, introduced a bill in the National Assembly titled "Special Prosecutor Act for Investigating the Nomination Bribery Allegations Involving Lawmakers Kim Byung-ki and Kang Sun-woo." According to the bill, the investigation would cover "allegations of nomination-related bribery involving Assemblywoman Kang Sun-woo, circumstances of disregard and concealment of these allegations by Assemblyman Kim Byung-ki, bribery allegations involving Assemblyman Kim Byung-ki, and suspicions of organized concealment and abetment by then-party leader Lee Jae-myung, aide Kim Hyun-ji, and other party leadership."

The Democratic Party has shown a negative stance toward the special prosecutor bill. Assemblyman Kim Young-jin, in a YTN radio interview, cited recorded calls from the 2024 nomination process among People Power Party lawmakers, which revealed controversies over vote-buying and requests for sole candidacy nominations. He argued, "When it comes to nomination-related financial misconduct, I believe the People Power Party is even less free from such issues." Chief Floor Spokesperson Kim Hyun-jung also commented in a statement, "What has the People Power Party done to root out the long-standing practice of money-for-nomination within its own ranks?" She continued, "Before pointing fingers at others, the People Power Party should first clarify the realities of the so-called 'nomination business' involving Geonjin Bopsa, Myung Tae-gyun, and Kim Young-sun." Kim further stated, "The Democratic Party will actively cooperate with efforts to uncover the truth and conduct investigations. At the same time, we will take the painful step of increasing transparency in the nomination process and present institutional reform measures to the public."