Kim Byung-gi to announce fate amid widening controversy

Dec 29, 2025, 09:06 am

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Kim Byung-gi, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, speaks at a party leadership meeting at the National Assembly on Dec. 23, outlining his firm stance on pursuing a special counsel probe into the Unification Church. / Yonhap

The controversy surrounding Kim Byung-gi, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, continues to escalate, with his political future drawing intense scrutiny ahead of an expected announcement on Dec. 30.

Allegations against Kim have expanded following a series of claims by former aides, compounded most recently by suspicions that he sought to delay his younger son’s reserve military training. The opposition is pressing for his resignation, while voices within his own party warn the controversy could become a growing burden.

On Sunday, People Power Party chief spokesperson Choi Bo-yeon said in a statement that “the position of floor leader is not a privilege but a responsibility,” adding that remaining in office amid serious allegations of power abuse and favoritism “defies common sense.”

Kim is facing a range of accusations, including the acceptance of hotel accommodation vouchers, requests for preferential medical treatment for family members in his constituency, alleged private use of district office expenses by his spouse, and claims of special treatment for family members by Korean Air. Party leader Jung Cheong-rae said he is “watching the situation very seriously,” signaling distance rather than protection.

Kim has pushed back forcefully. Addressing the hotel voucher allegation, he said the acceptance was “inappropriate regardless of the reason,” but denied reports valuing it at 1.6 million won, stating it was “around 300,000 won per night including breakfast for two.” He also denied receiving any preferential family services.

He has also warned of a tough response toward former aides continuing to make disclosures. On social media, Kim shared screenshots of a Telegram chat among ex-staffers, saying he could not accept a “distorted narrative” portraying them as absolute victims and himself as an absolute perpetrator. The images included conversations mocking insurrection and using profane language.

The opposition has escalated its demands beyond stepping down as floor leader to a full resignation from the National Assembly. People Power Party chief spokesperson Park Seong-hoon said the issue “has grown beyond individual misconduct into collective evasion of responsibility by the Democratic Party leadership,” calling on Kim to resign his parliamentary seat immediately.

Within the Democratic Party, concerns are mounting that prolonged controversy could weigh on the party ahead of next year’s local elections. Lawmaker Park Joo-min said in a radio interview on Dec. 26 that he would “seriously consider a course of action that does not burden the party.”

Kim is scheduled to hold a press conference on Dec. 30 to announce his decision. While political circles largely expect him to stay on, some say he could still opt for a dramatic step down depending on how the situation unfolds.

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