The Seoul Metropolitan Council's Special Committee on Ethics decided on a disciplinary motion to expel Councilor Kim Kyung, who faces allegations including "nomination bribery."
The ethics committee met on the afternoon of the 27th and made the decision. Of the 15 members, 12 attended, and all attendees voted in favor of expulsion. Expulsion is the most severe disciplinary action for a councilor.
Earlier, Ethics Committee Chairperson Shin Dong-won introduced a motion seeking disciplinary action against the councilor, listing five violations: ▲ receiving nomination donations ▲ failing to report official National Assembly activities and abuse of authority ▲ false party member relocation ▲ mobilizing party members to pay party dues on behalf of others ▲ misappropriation of business promotion expenses and filing false reports.
The ethics committee determined that the councilor violated local councilors' duty of integrity and duty to maintain dignity. It also considered as reasons for discipline the serious damage caused to the standing of the Seoul Metropolitan Council and public trust.
The disciplinary motion is finalized if passed at a plenary session. Given that the council's first plenary session of the year runs from Feb. 24 to March 13, a decision on whether to expel the councilor could come as early as next month.
To pass the expulsion motion, at least two-thirds of all members must approve. With 74 of the council's 111 seats held by the People Power Party, expulsion is also likely to be approved at the plenary session.
However, the councilor submitted a resignation letter to the council chairperson the previous day. It has not yet been accepted.
People Power Party Spokesperson Chae Su-ji said, "By deciding on expulsion, the ethics committee dealt a stern blow to an evasive resignation," and added, "Kim should solemnly accept the weight of today's decision and take responsibility in the investigation process with a repentant attitude before citizens."
The councilor is under police investigation on suspicion of delivering 100 million won to Representative Kang Sun-woo's side, who served on the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul Chapter Nomination Management Committee during the 2022 local elections.
Police have expanded the investigation after obtaining an audio file that allegedly contains indications that, ahead of the 2023 Gangseo District mayoral by-election, the councilor attempted to contact other political figures to run for mayor or discussed delivering money.