The Democratic Party of Korea called on Rep. Kim Byung-kee, who resigned as floor leader over various misconduct allegations, to voluntarily leave the party.
Park Soo-hyun, the Democratic Party chief spokesperson, held a press briefing at the National Assembly on the 11th and said, "We ask Rep. Kim to reflect deeply on what the party-devoted path he has cherished so much truly is." It is seen as the party leadership asking Kim to voluntarily leave the party.
Park, the chief spokesperson, said, "The demands from party members and lawmakers for firm and swift action against Rep. Kim are growing by the day," adding, "While the leadership maintains the emergency supreme council's decision to leave the matter to a prompt ruling by the Ethics Tribunal and strives to ensure the tribunal's independence, it has also asked affiliated lawmakers to refrain from collective statements and calls for Kim's voluntary departure."
He continued, "Now, a move to demand expulsion from the leadership is imminent. Rep. Kim will also know well that the demands from party members and lawmakers for voluntary departure come from party loyalty," and added, "Chair Jung Chung-rae is also spending many sleepless nights, placing the greatest importance on public sentiment and party sentiment."
After the briefing, when asked, "Does this mean there have been moves among affiliated lawmakers to demand Rep. Kim's voluntary departure?" Park replied, "Yes."
He added, "When we ask him to consider what the party-devoted path is for Rep. Kim, all possibilities are open," and said, "Even if tomorrow (on the 12th) the Ethics Tribunal commissioners' meeting reaches a different conclusion, it means all other possibilities remain."
Earlier, the Democratic Party's supreme leadership on the 1st requested that the Ethics Tribunal decide on disciplinary judgment for Rep. Kim, who faces various misconduct allegations. The Ethics Tribunal meeting on Kim is scheduled for the 12th.