Democratic Party Ethics Committee Decides to Expel Kim Byunggi... Final Decision at General Assembly on the 15th if No Retrial (Comprehensive)

"Comprehensive Review Leads to Decision to Expel Kim Byunggi"
Majority Approval Required at General Assembly for Expulsion of Lawmaker

The Democratic Party of Korea Ethics Committee has decided to expel Assemblyman Kim Byungki, who is under suspicion of misconduct. If Assemblyman Kim does not request a retrial, a final decision is expected to be made at the party caucus on January 15.

Kim Byungki, former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is suspected of various corrupt practices including receiving nomination bribes, is appearing before the Democratic Party of Korea Ethics Committee at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul on January 12, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On January 12, at the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Han Dongsu, Chairperson of the Ethics Committee, stated, "I will announce the results of the Ethics Committee's review regarding Assemblyman Kim," and added, "Taking into account the completion of the disciplinary statute of limitations, the seriousness of the matter, and other factors, the committee has decided to expel him." The Democratic Party has four types of disciplinary actions: expulsion, suspension of party membership, suspension of party office eligibility, and warning.

Previously, on December 30 of last year, Assemblyman Kim stepped down from his position as floor leader, stating, "As long as I am at the center of these ongoing allegations, I cannot help but become an obstacle to the Democratic Party and the Lee Jaemyung administration," as various suspicions continued to surface.

Assemblyman Kim faces allegations including: ▲ suspicion of having an expensive lunch meeting with Coupang officials ▲ suspicion of receiving nomination bribes during the 2022 local elections and related allegations of suppressing petitions ▲ suspicion of receiving hotel accommodation vouchers from Korean Air ▲ suspicion of involvement in his second son's transfer to Soongsil University ▲ suspicion of his spouse's private use of district council business promotion expenses.

Chairperson Han stated, "There are parts for which the disciplinary statute of limitations has expired, and according to Supreme Court precedents, these serve as reference materials when determining the level of disciplinary action," adding, "Even based solely on the multiple disciplinary reasons for which the statute of limitations has not expired, the committee concluded that expulsion is warranted." According to Party Rule No. 17, disciplinary action cannot be taken if three years have passed since the cause for discipline occurred.

When asked by reporters about the specific reasons for discipline, Chairperson Han replied, "As reported, the cases involving Korean Air and Coupang, among others, are included." Regarding the nomination bribery allegations, he explained, "Some parts have exceeded the statute of limitations, while others have not."

Chairperson Han also added, "Those under investigation are guaranteed the right to request a retrial within seven days after the disciplinary decision documents are delivered to them."

If Assemblyman Kim does not request a retrial, the party leadership plans to submit the disciplinary motion to the Supreme Council on January 14, and then to the party caucus on January 15. In order to expel a party member who is a National Assembly member, a majority vote of all incumbent party lawmakers is required at the caucus.

However, if Assemblyman Kim requests a retrial, this schedule will be postponed until the retrial results are announced.