Kim Byung-kee, the former floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, has decided to leave the party without challenging the ethics committee's expulsion decision over allegations of bribe-taking and misconduct. During a press conference at the National Assembly on Monday, he stated that he aimed to avoid any internal discord. Kim pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation and to provide evidence proving his innocence.
Kim Byung-kee, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), announced his intention to leave the party during a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul on January 19, 2026. He stated he would not seek redeliberation of the party's ethics committee decision to expel him, which was voted on the previous Monday over allegations of bribe-taking and other misconduct.
The ethics committee acted after Kim refused to resign voluntarily, despite demands from the party leadership. "I decided that I should fully shoulder the burden if there is even the slightest disagreement within the party and any burden on my colleagues because of me," he said. "I will not seek reconsideration and leave the party."
"I will thoroughly cooperate with the investigation and submit all relevant evidence to prove my innocence," he added. Kim requested that the expulsion be finalized at the party's Supreme Council rather than a general meeting of lawmakers, as party rules require majority approval from lawmakers for a sitting member's expulsion.
He had resigned from his floor leader position last month amid claims of receiving preferential treatment, abusing power, and his wife misusing a city council's corporate card for personal expenses. The episode has strained relations within the DPK, and his departure may help ease internal tensions.
