The Democratic Party of Korea on the 19th classified Rep. Kim Byung-kee, who submitted a withdrawal-from-the-party form, as having "left during disciplinary proceedings" and decided not to convene a general meeting of lawmakers to vote on expulsion. It also noted that if various suspicions involving Kim are concluded as no charges, it could begin a relief process.
Cho Seung-rae, the Democratic Party secretary-general, met with reporters at the National Assembly in the afternoon and said, "At about 1:35 p.m., Rep. Kim's withdrawal form was received by the secretary-general's office, and we immediately forwarded it to the Seoul Metropolitan Chapter to process the withdrawal."
He added, "Rep. Kim asked in the morning to be expelled without going through a general meeting of lawmakers, but under Article 33 of the Political Parties Act, expulsion of a National Assembly member requires the consent of at least one-half of the affiliated lawmakers," and said, "We explained this point to Rep. Kim, and you can understand that he has left the party."
To a question asking, "Is there additional discipline after leaving the party, like Rep. Kang Sun-woo?" Cho said, "I understand that recording (Rep. Kim) as having left during disciplinary proceedings is the appropriate approach." This means Kim will be recorded as "left during disciplinary proceedings," restricting readmission. Under the party constitution and regulations, a person who has been expelled cannot be readmitted within five years.
However, if the reason for disciplining Rep. Kim is resolved, such as a no-charges conclusion, the party can begin a relief process. Cho said, "Rep. Kim said he would overcome misunderstanding, speculation, and wrong judgments and return proudly as a member of the party, so if there is such a reason, of course a restoration measure will be taken."