Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Jang Kyung-tae said he would leave the party after the police investigation review committee gave an opinion to refer his case to prosecutors over an alleged sexual assault. Announcing his intention to quit the party, Jang said, "I will certainly prove the accusation is false."
On the 20th, Jang said on Facebook, "I will leave the party so as not to be a burden to it," adding, "There was controversy during the investigation, but I will faithfully go through the subsequent procedures and certainly prove the accusation is false."
He added, "I will prove my innocence and return so as not to burden the party," and said, "I ask for your support so that, through the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration, we can build the real Republic of Korea."
Jang is accused of sexually assaulting a female aide while drinking with National Assembly aides at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, in Oct. 2023. After the controversy erupted, he also faces allegations of secondary harm, including exposing the victim's identity.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's investigation review committee the previous day offered an opinion of "referral" on Jang's charge of quasi-forcible molestation, and an opinion of "referral after supplementary investigation" on the alleged violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes related to secondary harm.
Jang was reviewed by the police investigation review committee that has been in effect since Aug. last year. The committee is composed of civilian members and examines the appropriateness of investigations when a party to a case objects to the outcome. Since the rule took effect, Jang was the first suspect to appear before the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's investigation review committee to present a statement.
The Democratic Party said that if Jang left the party to avoid disciplinary action, expulsion would be possible under the ethics tribunal's decision. In Jan., Democratic Party central ethics tribunal chief Han Dong-su ordered an ex officio investigation into Jang, who faces sexual assault allegations, and initiated disciplinary proceedings.
Lee Yong-woo, a Democratic Party lawmaker who serves as the party's legal affairs chief, told reporters after the supreme council meeting that day, "Under the ethics tribunal regulations, if a member leaves the party after disciplinary procedures have begun and before the review is concluded, and it is judged to be a departure to avoid discipline, expulsion is possible," adding, "I expect the ethics tribunal will be convened swiftly to handle the matter."