Conflict Between Ruling and Opposition Over 'Kim Nam-guk Disciplinary Action'... "Skip Advisory Committee" VS "Follow National Assembly Act"

17th National Assembly Ethics Committee Full Meeting Sparks Ruling Party and Opposition Clash
Democratic Party Files Complaint Against Rep. Kim Nam-guk to Ethics Committee

The National Assembly Ethics Special Committee has begun disciplinary discussions regarding Representative Kim Nam-guk, who left the Democratic Party of Korea amid allegations of virtual asset investment, while the ruling and opposition parties clashed over the 'procedure.' The People Power Party proposed shortening the period by skipping the consultation with the Ethics Review Advisory Committee, but the Democratic Party opposed, stating that the advisory committee must be consulted according to the National Assembly Act.

On the 17th, the National Assembly Ethics Special Committee held a plenary meeting at the National Assembly, appointed Representative Lee Yang-su of the People Power Party and Representative Song Ki-heon of the Democratic Party as party coordinators, and began disciplinary discussions regarding Representative Kim.

On the 17th, Chairman Byeon Jae-il of the National Assembly Ethics Special Committee is striking the gavel. (Photo by Yonhap News)

Representative Lee raised his voice, urging to speed up the disciplinary process. He said, “If the coordinators discuss and then proceed to the Ethics Review Advisory Committee after a reflection period, it can take from 60 up to 80 days, causing delays. Many citizens are seriously concerned about this issue and doubt the ethics of lawmakers, so instead of a lengthy process, I propose that the party coordinators consult and skip the advisory committee to immediately submit the expulsion motion against Representative Kim to the plenary session.”

He continued, “Since the People Power Party filed this complaint on the 8th, there is originally a 20-day reflection period, but if the party coordinators agree, that 20 days can be skipped. If the advisory committee is a mandatory legal procedure, then here and now, the party coordinators can agree to refer the case to the advisory committee, and if the advisory committee completes the review in the shortest possible time, the schedule can be expedited.”

Representative Song appeared negative toward Lee’s proposal. He said, “I believe the Ethics Committee must proceed and make decisions according to the National Assembly Act. The reason the Act provides for an advisory committee is for various reasons. I think it is inappropriate for the advisory committee, especially the National Assembly Ethics Committee, to condemn someone as if conducting a witch hunt just because they are found at fault.”

He added, “Urgency does not justify bypassing procedures. Upholding procedures is crucial for maintaining the credibility of the Ethics Special Committee as it continues to operate.”

Byun Jae-il, the Ethics Committee Chair from the Democratic Party, also stated, “Under the National Assembly Act, the Ethics Special Committee does not have the authority to decide to skip the advisory committee, and even if such a decision is made here, it would be invalid, so it should be considered a reckless action.”

Both party coordinators agreed on a full investigation of virtual assets. After the Ethics Special Committee plenary meeting, Representative Song told reporters, “I think a full investigation of virtual assets is natural. Virtual assets, regardless of what they are called, are assets, so they should be included in the declaration requirements by studying how to report them.” Representative Lee also explained, “The People Power Party firmly believes a full investigation must be conducted, and virtual assets should be included in public officials’ asset declarations as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, the Democratic Party decided to file a complaint against Representative Kim with the Ethics Special Committee. Representative Lee responded, “I warmly welcome that.”

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