Tension Rises Ahead of Kim Byungki Ethics Tribunal Meeting... Democratic Party Says "All Possibilities Remain Open"

Park Jiwon: "The issue must be resolved starting today"
Severe punishment expected from the Ethics Tribunal
Attention on the level of disciplinary action

As a meeting of the Democratic Party of Korea's Ethics Tribunal regarding allegations against former floor leader Kim Byungki has been announced, the party is even discussing the possibility of emergency disciplinary action. The Ethics Tribunal is also reportedly taking a negative stance on the controversy surrounding nomination donations, drawing attention to the potential severity of any punishment.

On January 12, Democratic Party floor spokesperson Kim Hyunjung stated in a YTN radio interview regarding the issue of the former floor leader, "The party will consider all possibilities before making a judgment," adding, "If, after explanations and reviews by the Ethics Tribunal, it is determined that the allegations have not been properly clarified, the Supreme Council is leaving open the possibility of any decision at its level."

Chief spokesperson Park Suhyeon, during a press briefing the previous day, explained the leadership's efforts to refrain from making collective statements regarding the former floor leader. He stated, "I believe the former floor leader is aware that the calls for voluntary resignation from party members and lawmakers stem from their loyalty to the party," and added, "I urge the former floor leader to deeply reflect on what path best serves the party he has cherished so dearly." Effectively, this amounted to a recommendation for voluntary resignation.

Democratic Party lawmaker Park Jiwon also commented in a CBS radio interview, "The due date regarding the former floor leader is today," and emphasized, "Starting today, the issue of the former floor leader's involvement in nomination donations must be brought to a close." Park stated, "Dragging this out any further will only deepen the wounds the Democratic Party receives from the public, and it will prevent the newly appointed floor leader, Byungdo Han, from beginning his term smoothly."

Byungdo Han, the newly appointed floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on January 12, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

However, the Democratic Party drew a line, stating it could not predict the Ethics Tribunal's decision. Chief spokesperson Park noted that the issue concerning the former floor leader was not discussed at the Supreme Council meeting that day, emphasizing, "The Ethics Tribunal is a completely independent body, so the party cannot predict anything." Floor spokesperson Kim also suggested that a disciplinary decision might not be made immediately, saying, "The Ethics Tribunal does not have compulsory investigative powers," and, in his personal view, "it seems difficult to reach a disciplinary decision right away. Nevertheless, it appears a conclusion will be reached soon."

Meanwhile, there are predictions that the Ethics Tribunal will impose a severe punishment. On January 7, Han Dongsu, head of the Ethics Tribunal, said on a YouTube broadcast, speaking in general terms, "When it comes to nomination donations, people use the term 'human error,' but I think it is closer to a 'human crime.'" This statement revealed an understanding that the nomination donation issue is not a matter of mere error or negligence, but rather constitutes a crime or misconduct. Han also pointed out the structural risks, particularly for multi-term lawmakers, and stressed, "In addition to institutional reforms such as parliamentary reform, it is also important to carry out personnel purges and impose personal punishments."