Jeong Cheongrae Maintains 'Wait and See' Stance on Kim Byungki Disciplinary Request and Lee Hyehoon Controversy

No Emergency Expulsion or Disciplinary Action Planned
Park Suhyun: "Proceeding According to Party Rules and Constitution"
Party Distances Itself from Calls for Early Withdrawal of Lee Hyehoon

The Democratic Party of Korea has maintained its position that it will wait for the disciplinary procedures of the Ethics Tribunal regarding the handling of former Floor Leader Kim Byungki, who has faced various allegations including the party nomination fund controversy. The party stated that it will not consider emergency disciplinary measures such as an expedited expulsion. Regarding Lee Hyehoon, the nominee for Minister of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the party also intends to proceed with the verification process up to the confirmation hearing.

Suhyun Park, Senior Spokesperson of the Democratic Party, told reporters on January 9, "In accordance with the emergency Supreme Council resolution on January 1, the Democratic Party is proceeding with the disciplinary procedures of the Ethics Tribunal," adding, "The leadership is closely monitoring the situation and waiting for the procedures, decisions, and results of the Ethics Tribunal." The party emphasized that it is waiting for the scheduled disciplinary process and will not consider separate emergency measures.

Suhyun Park, Senior Spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding the difference in approach compared to the expedited expulsion procedure taken for Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo, who previously declared her departure from the party, Senior Spokesperson Park explained, "Assemblywoman Kang voluntarily declared her departure, and since she intended to evade disciplinary action, it was necessary to take measures, such as the procedural and decision-making process in the Ethics Tribunal to determine grounds for expulsion. However, in the case of former Floor Leader Kim, since he did not resign voluntarily, even if the Ethics Tribunal makes a decision, a confirmation process requiring the consent of more than half of the assembly members at the general meeting is needed, and he is also guaranteed the right to appeal the result. No matter how much public interest there is in this matter, since January 1, we have not considered any other measures."

Senior Spokesperson Park added, "We are not taking this matter lightly; we are observing the situation with seriousness. However, all authorities of the party leader are operated in a limited manner according to the party constitution and regulations, which is the democratic procedure, so we are proceeding and monitoring in accordance with the party constitution and rules."

Regarding concerns that the Ethics Tribunal meeting scheduled for January 12 may not reach a conclusion, Senior Spokesperson Park expressed a cautious stance. He stated, "The Ethics Tribunal is a body that makes very important decisions, including those related to the political careers of individual politicians, so it must be cautious. Even if the matter is serious and grave, it is not easy to make a decision that bypasses the proper procedures." He added, "Even if a conclusion is not reached on January 12 and the meeting is somewhat delayed, I do not think this goes against the party's policy of requesting a swift decision. I believe the Ethics Tribunal understands the Supreme Council's resolution, its intent, and the public interest, and will strive to make a prompt decision within the system."

The party also maintained its position to wait for the National Assembly confirmation hearing regarding the additional allegation that nominee Lee verbally abused her aides in the past. Senior Spokesperson Park mentioned that the presidential office's vetting accounts for one-third, media scrutiny for one-third, and the National Assembly's review for one-third, stating, "I believe it is necessary to thoroughly go through each stage to select better public officials." However, he added, "From the public's perspective, I fully understand the criticism of whether we should wait given the current level of issues."

Previously, Assemblyman Joo Jinwoo of the People Power Party released an audio file in which nominee Lee was heard scolding her aides, saying, "You can't even distinguish between feces and urine." In addition, Assemblyman Chun Haram of the Reform Party raised allegations that nominee Lee inflated her housing application score by listing her married eldest son as a dependent when applying for a high-priced apartment in Seocho-gu, Seoul, in 2024.