Kim Byung-kee, the former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea who faces several allegations including nomination donations, said on the 5th, "Even if I am expelled, I will not leave the party of my own accord."

Kim Byung-kee, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, puts his statement into his pocket after addressing allegations of favoritism and abuse of power involving himself and his family during a floor countermeasures meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 30th. He announces his resignation as floor leader in his statement the same day./Courtesy of News1

The former floor leader appeared on Newstomato's YouTube channel on the morning of the day and said, "Even if I am cleared of the allegations and retire from politics, I will not leave the party voluntarily," and stated accordingly.

In response to the host's question that "voices inside the party calling for resolving the issue at its source and putting the party before oneself could lead to calls for a voluntary exit," the former floor leader said, "I have trauma; there was a similar incident at the agency (National Intelligence Service) in 2009," adding, "Doing that sent things spiraling out of control. I will not choose that this time."

He continued, "Stepping down from the floor leadership and leaving the Democratic Party will not resolve these issues. I will say, while remaining here, that I am innocent, so please believe at least one person," adding, "If investigated, the case involving Rep. Kang Sun-woo and the matter involving my spouse will be made perfectly clear."

When the host asked, "Are you confident there are no legal problems with all the allegations?" the former floor leader said, "I did wrong, but I think there will be no legal issues," adding, "As much as I am sorry, I will devote myself fully to clarifying this matter, to clarifying it as a member of the Democratic Party."

He went on, "It was my pride that I staked everything for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. I am truly sorry, and I do not know how to make amends for this," adding, "Nevertheless, as time passes, I will do everything I can so that people feel that, 'fortunately, most of what was raised as suspicions turned out not to be so.'"

The former floor leader faces allegations that, ahead of the 2022 local elections, he condoned Rep. Kang Sun-woo's "100 million won nomination donation," and that he received 30 million won in cash from district council members before the 2020 general election. He also faces allegations that last year he lobbied a powerful lawmaker in the then-ruling People Power Party to quash an investigation into his spouse.

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