Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung, who is under investigation over alleged nomination bribery, resigned on the 26th. The timing comes a day before the Seoul City Council Special Ethics Committee was set to meet to decide the level of disciplinary action against Kim.
Kim said in a statement that day that a letter of resignation from the council seat was submitted to the council chair.
Kim said, "Regarding the 1 billion won offer case involving Representative Kang Sun-woo's side that has recently stirred controversy, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for failing to fulfill the moral duty required of a public official," adding, "This is my fault, and I will make no excuses."
Kim added, "Regardless of the reason, I believe that being entangled in a money matter alone makes me unfit to represent the citizens," and said, "With a remorseful heart, I will reflect and take responsibility by resigning my seat."
Kim said that even after resigning, participation in all investigative and inquiry procedures would be faithful. Kim added, "Without any concealment, I will reveal the truth and willingly accept legal punishment commensurate with the wrongdoing," saying, "I believe that is the minimum duty owed to the citizens."
Kim went on to say, "With a misguided judgment, I left an indelible stain on the local community and the council," adding, "I will live my life in self-restraint and reflection."
Kim is under police investigation on suspicion of delivering 1 billion won to Representative Kang Sun-woo's side, who was a nomination management Commissioner at the Seoul chapter of the Democratic Party of Korea during the 2022 local elections.
There was also an outlook that the investigation would expand after police secured an audio file containing indications that in 2023, ahead of the Gangseo District chief by-election, Kim attempted to contact other political figures to run for district chief or discussed the delivery of money.
The Seoul City Council Special Ethics Committee had originally planned to discuss a disciplinary motion against Kim from 5 p.m. on the 27th. Of the 15 seats on the committee, the People Power Party holds 10 and the Democratic Party has 5. With committee members from the People Power Party in the majority, there was a high possibility that the toughest penalty, "expulsion," would be included in the motion against Kim.