Jeonbuk Gov. Kim Kwan-young, who was expelled from the Democratic Party of Korea after giving designated-driver expense money to young people, said on the 3rd that he filed for an injunction to suspend the effectiveness of the expulsion.
In a post on social media (SNS) that day, Gov. Kim said, I submitted the injunction request to the Seoul Southern District Court yesterday.
Explaining the background for submitting the injunction, Gov. Kim said it was the last desperate struggle to remain in the beloved Democratic Party and an earnest wish to protect the achievements made with the residents and the pride of North Jeolla.
He added that he would faithfully explain himself to the court.
Gov. Kim is under suspicion of having given designated-driver expense money to young people who drank with him at a restaurant in Nov. last year. Gov. Kim explained that he gave a total of 680,000 won and immediately took it back. However, the party leadership convened an emergency Supreme Council meeting on the night the suspicions arose and expelled Gov. Kim.
Gov. Kim said, I earnestly ask one thing of the party, adding, The young people who were with me did nothing wrong. They accepted the designated-driver fee I gave them out of concern over drunk driving, but they recognized the problem and promptly returned it.
He continued, I think it goes too far to consider disciplining even the young people with 20,000 won or 50,000 won, following the 680,000 won expulsion.
Gov. Kim said, I have shouldered all the responsibility, and I will bear the weight and explain myself in court, adding, So I earnestly ask that the young people, who have a bright future ahead, not be hurt.
Gov. Kim said, I will wait for the judiciary's decision. I earnestly pray that the injunction will be granted so I can return to the Democratic Party, adding, The wind and rain are fierce, but I will not stop. No matter the difficulty, I will fulfill my duty to the end.