Democratic Party Ethics Tribunal Chair Orders Ex Officio Investigation into Jang Kyungtae and Choi Minhee Allegations

Han Dongsoo, Chairperson of the Ethics Tribunal, Appears on MBC YouTube Broadcast

Han Dongsoo, Chairperson of the Ethics Tribunal of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced on January 21 that he had issued an order for an ex officio investigation into Assembly members Jang Kyungtae and Choi Minhee, respectively.

During the extended broadcast of MBC Radio’s “Kim Jongbae’s Focus” on YouTube that day, Chairperson Han stated, “On January 19, I issued an ex officio investigation order regarding two matters: the allegations of sexual misconduct involving Assemblyman Jang, and the allegations concerning congratulatory money at Assemblywoman Choi Minhee’s daughter’s wedding.”

Yonhap News Agency

According to the party’s regulations, the Chairperson of the Ethics Tribunal may order an investigation by the central party or other bodies if it is determined that a party member has engaged in problematic conduct.

Although the party’s Ethics Inspection Team is already conducting an investigation into these Assembly members, Chairperson Han appears to have ordered a separate investigation due to delays in the announcement of the results.

Assemblyman Jang was sued by the police on November 25, 2024, over allegations that he sexually harassed a female secretary, referred to as Ms. A, from an opposition lawmaker’s office during a drinking gathering at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, in October 2024. However, Assemblyman Jang has completely denied the allegations.

Assemblywoman Choi is facing allegations that she received a large sum of congratulatory money from a government agency subject to oversight during her daughter’s wedding, which took place during the National Assembly’s audit period.

The Ethics Tribunal is expected to proceed with its own investigation for disciplinary action, independent of the party’s Ethics Inspection Team and the police investigation.