Kim Byunggi Expelled... Park Suhyeon Says "Jeong Cheongrae Found It Difficult and Painful"

"It Must Have Been Difficult Between Public Sentiment, Party Consensus, and Personal Agony"

As Kim Byunggi, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, announced his intention to request a retrial regarding the party Ethics Committee's decision to expel him, Park Suhyeon, the party's chief spokesperson, commented, "Even if he applies for a retrial, I don't think the process will take that long."

On CBS Radio's "Park Seongtae's News Show" on January 13, Chief Spokesperson Park stated, "We expect that the procedure could reach a general assembly of lawmakers as early as next week, but we need to watch the situation further."

Regarding the reason why the Ethics Committee meeting lasted about nine hours the previous day, Park cited several factors: it was a matter of significant public interest, it was a critical issue for the individual as his political career was at stake, and there were as many as thirteen separate allegations involved. Park added, "There were many points that Kim claimed were unfair, and it reportedly took about five hours for him to provide explanations and clarifications."

Former floor leader of the Democratic Party, Kim Byunggi, who is suspected of various corrupt practices including nomination bribery, is appearing before the Democratic Party Ethics Committee at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul on the 12th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding Kim's request for a retrial, Chief Spokesperson Park said, "There were some within the party who questioned whether a retrial was necessary, considering he once served as floor leader. So, the idea that the process would be prolonged was not something we had imagined." He also noted, "If the process does become drawn out, how to handle it falls into the realm of high-level political judgment, so the Supreme Council members and the party leader will consult on the matter."

Park further explained, "It is true that Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae has faced a lot of pressure and demands from various lawmakers within the party," adding, "(Jeong) was deeply troubled after receiving the report on the Ethics Committee's decision, and in a meeting with myself and some Supreme Council members, he spoke for more than ten minutes about how difficult and distressing the situation was." Park continued, "Despite his personal feelings, he was in a position where he had no choice but to make a firm decision that meets public expectations in his official capacity. (Jeong) maintained a consistent stance that he would observe the process of the Ethics Committee, and as party leader, he faced considerable criticism during this process."