The head of the Democratic Party of Korea, Jung Chung-rae, announced on the first that he had initiated an ethical investigation into ex-floor leader Kim Byung-kee as of last month's 25th. This occurred amid news that Kim had obtained hotel coupons and airfield amenities from Korean Air prior to claims that he was informed about and implicitly supported accusations regarding Representative Kang Sun-woo's team receiving campaign funding. The party representing Kim Byung-kee commented, "In case an ethical review is launched, the individual involved should be promptly alerted; therefore, this matter caught us entirely off guard."
Following his visit to the tomb of former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, Jung responded to journalists' inquiries concerning why Kim was not included in the ethical investigation. He stated, "With regard to former floor leader Kim Byung-kee, I had instructed an ethics inquiry as early as the 25th of last month."
Jung stated, "Within the party, nobody—no matter their rank or standing—is exempt from ethical scrutiny. I am convinced that no individual, even Representative Kang Sun-woo, should be above investigation or untouched by these measures. I will cut ties where necessary and carry forward what must remain."
On the 25th of the previous month, the same day Jung referred to when discussing the initiation of the ethical investigation, Kim revealed details from a Telegram channel exclusively for his advisors, asserting that they were "pretending to be whistleblowers acting in the public interest."
The next day, on the 26th, during his initial news briefing since assuming power, Jong addressed inquiries regarding Kim: "As head of the party, I deeply regret and feel embarrassed by this occurrence. I extend my apology to the general public. As the previous floor leader is anticipated to present a clear stance within the coming days, I shall await that before making further comments."
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