Kim appeals expulsion, prolonging party turmoil

Jan 14, 2026, 08:05 am

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Former Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-ki attends a meeting of the party’s Ethics Tribunal on Jan. 12, after which the tribunal decided to expel him. / Photo by Song Ui-joo

The political fallout surrounding Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-ki is expected to linger even after the party’s decision to expel him, as Kim has vowed to immediately seek a retrial—raising the prospect of prolonged internal turmoil for the ruling party ahead of the June 3 local elections.

According to political sources on Jan. 13, the Democratic Party’s Ethics Tribunal decided late the previous day to expel Kim after nine hours of deliberations, the most severe disciplinary measure available under party rules.

The party has been grappling with growing political pressure tied to Kim since late last year, amid a string of allegations including a so-called “Coupang luncheon,” acceptance of hotel accommodation vouchers, and claims of soliciting or condoning nomination-related donations—more than 10 allegations in total. These controversies prompted party leaders last month to order an investigation by the party’s ethics inspection unit.

In its ruling, the Ethics Tribunal deemed Kim’s alleged misconduct sufficient to warrant expulsion, citing the seriousness of the case. Kim reportedly argued during the hearing that most of the allegations fell outside the three-year statute of limitations for party discipline. The tribunal rejected that claim, concluding that allegations within the past three years alone were grave enough to justify expulsion.

Despite the decision, Kim immediately announced plans to request a retrial. In a Facebook post following the ruling, he said, “Allegations cannot become facts,” adding that he would file for a retrial without delay. Under party rules, once a retrial request is filed, the Ethics Tribunal must review and decide the matter within 60 days of receipt.

For the Democratic Party, Kim’s stance has become a fresh political liability. With the local elections approaching, voices within the party have called on him to step aside voluntarily to contain the damage. Rep. Lee Yeon-hee wrote on Facebook, “A flower knows to step back at its most beautiful moment so it does not ruin the next season. Politics is the same—having the courage to take a step back in the face of responsibility is the dignity of politics.”

Party spokesperson Park Soo-hyun said on a CBS radio program that party leader Jeong Cheong-rae was “deeply troubled” after receiving the Ethics Tribunal’s decision, but stressed that “the stern standards of the public, the spirit of the times, and core values must ultimately be the basis for judgment.”

Some analysts say that even if Kim pursues a retrial, the party leader could still impose emergency disciplinary measures using executive authority. Democratic Party leaders have previously signaled that such options remain on the table.

“All possibilities are open,” Park said. “If the retrial process drags on, determining how to respond will require a high-level political judgment, and discussions among the party leader and the supreme council are likely.”

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