Kim Han-jung: "Kim Hong-gul, Make a Decision"

Direct Hit on Property Report Omission Allegations
"Not a Rain Shower That Can Be Avoided"
De Facto Withdrawal Demand from Same Party

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] On the 18th, Kim Han-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said to fellow party member Kim Hong-gul, who is suspected of omitting property declarations, "This is not a passing shower that can be avoided by waiting. I hope you make a decision." This is essentially a demand for resignation from the party. Kim Hong-gul is currently under investigation by the Ethics Inspection Team, an organization within the Democratic Party that deals with corruption.

Kim Hong-gul, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending and speaking at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 16th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the morning of the same day, Kim Han-jung posted on his Facebook, "It is regrettable that I cannot defend or justify the situation Kim Hong-gul is currently facing. He purchased several houses but has failed to provide a convincing explanation," he said.

He referred to a Hankyoreh newspaper column that criticized Kim Hong-gul as a 'troublesome lawmaker,' stating, "The 'key Blue House official' mentioned in the column is me." The column published that day mentioned that during the so-called 'Hong Sam Trio' incident involving the three sons of former President Kim Dae-jung, a key Blue House official secretly visited Kim Hong-gul, who was overseas at the time. The report included the situation where former President Kim Dae-jung was shocked after receiving a report from an official who had obtained a confession about bribery. Kim Han-jung served as the Chief Secretary of the Blue House during the Kim Dae-jung administration.

He emphasized, "The most embarrassing thing is the disappointment and resentment from many people who respected and followed the late President Kim Dae-jung and the late Mrs. Lee Hee-ho." Kim said, "In 2002, near the end of President Kim's term, businessman Choi (surname) was exposed for providing money to the president's third son and involving himself in various interests. President Kim ordered me, who was by his side as the Chief Secretary, to meet Hong-gul, the third son, who was staying in L.A."

He continued, "After an awkward silence, Kim Hong-gul spoke. Although the amounts differed, it was true that he received money several times. He said he did not grant any favors in return," he said. "I immediately returned and reported. I still cannot forget the president's disappointment and shock at that time. Mrs. Lee, who was deeply distressed, shed tears," he revealed.

Due to the controversy over Kim Hong-gul's real estate and property declaration, voices demanding his resignation from both inside and outside the party are growing louder. Some supporters and party members are also calling for his resignation and expulsion.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.