Kwangbokhoe Expels Kim Imyong for 'Grabbing Chairman Kim Wonwoong by the Collar'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Junhyung] The Liberation Association has expelled Kim Imyong (69), a descendant of independence activists, who caused controversy by grabbing the collar of Chairman Kim Wonwoong in a public setting.

On the afternoon of the 21st, Kim personally revealed the disciplinary notice delivered in the name of the Liberation Association chairman in a group chat room where members opposing Chairman Kim had gathered. Earlier, the Liberation Association announced that it had held a disciplinary committee meeting on the 7th of this month and decided on disciplinary action against Kim, but the severity was not disclosed.

Kim is the grandson of Kim Bungjun, who served as the chairman of the Provisional National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and as a state councilor of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. On the 11th of last month, during the '102nd Anniversary of the Establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea' ceremony, he grabbed Chairman Kim Wonwoong's collar and was restrained. Subsequently, he received a summons to the disciplinary committee of the Liberation Association on grounds such as 'defamation.'

Although two disciplinary committee meetings were held afterward, Kim refused to attend, requesting to be allowed to attend with other members and reporters, and ultimately the disciplinary action was decided by the committee's authority.

It is reported that this expulsion will not affect government compensation payments given to descendants of independence activists. However, since expulsion is the highest level of disciplinary action according to the Liberation Association's bylaws, it is expected that Kim and other opposing members will resist.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Chairman Kim Wonwoong criticized a broadcast by a media outlet the previous day that interviewed some opposing members during a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Office. Chairman Kim said, "Among about 8,300 Liberation Association members, 20 to 30 are causing disturbances," adding, "Some of them have been disciplined or dismissed due to fraud, violence, corruption, and so on."

He also claimed that some opposing members are defaming the Liberation Association by using expressions common in the far-right community 'Ilgan Best Storage' and inciting regional sentiments.

Regarding his 'anti-Japanese collaboration purge' activities, Chairman Kim stated, "Members are united with stronger pride than ever, saying that if not the Liberation Association, then who else would advocate for the purge of pro-Japanese collaborators," and added, "I believe the recent minor disturbances are growing pains in the process of establishing the Liberation Association's identity."

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