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Kim Kyung, chair of the Seoul Metropolitan Council’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, holds a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul on September 30. / Source: Shim Joon-bo

Kim Kyung, a Seoul Metropolitan Council member of the Democratic Party and chair of its Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, resigned on Tuesday after facing allegations that she mobilized 3,000 members of a religious group to influence party primaries.

Calling the accusations “maliciously fabricated” by Rep. Jin Jong-oh of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), Kim said, “This is political retaliation. I will reveal the truth and return.”

The Seoul chapter of the Democratic Party said its own probe confirmed that the source of the allegation was Jang Jeong-hee, vice president of the Seoul Shooting Federation, who met Kim on August 4. The chapter added that it would nullify the memberships of party members recruited by Kim and carry out a review of all recently registered members.

In her statement, Kim said the August 4 meeting was an official petition hearing in her capacity as committee chair. She claimed Jang had offered support, saying, “I manage 3,000 members who can help in next year’s election.” Kim further questioned whether there was collusion between Jang and Rep. Jin, pledging legal action to defend her reputation.

The Seoul chapter stressed that Kim’s mention of Prime Minister Kim Min-seok in the meeting was merely a personal political statement and had no connection to the prime minister or the party. It added that further judicial action could be pursued if illegalities were discovered.

Earlier the same day, Rep. Jin accused Kim of offering to cover party dues for new members and of pressing them to support Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. He described the matter as a “shocking violation of democracy,” demanding Kim Min-seok’s resignation if proven true.