Park Chan-dae "Recommendation to Expel Kim Nam-guk? Must Consider Fairness with Other Lawmakers"

Park Chan-dae, a Democratic Party lawmaker, criticized the recommendation for expulsion of Rep. Kim Nam-guk, who left the Democratic Party amid a controversy over large virtual asset holdings, by the National Assembly Ethics Committee advisory panel the previous day, saying "the issue of fairness must be considered."

On the 21st, Park said on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' program, "Regardless of whether holding virtual assets is a matter warranting expulsion, aren't there other lawmakers who have voluntarily reported holding virtual assets as well?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Ethics Committee reviewed disciplinary proposals submitted by both ruling and opposition parties the previous day and recommended expulsion for Rep. Kim, revealing that out of 299 lawmakers, 11, including Kim, reported holding virtual assets. Park's argument is that it is unfair to expel only Rep. Kim without investigating the other 10.

Park said, "I think the issue of fairness with those lawmakers should also be considered together," adding, "Holding virtual assets and the profits derived from them?these are issues that should guide the future ethical direction of our lawmakers."

He further added, "Personally, I think it is somewhat urgent to handle these cases as they arise."

He emphasized that there should be standards applicable to all lawmakers. Park said, "In our case, we have already submitted consent forms regarding virtual asset holdings and related details," adding, "Regarding the use of information, I think these aspects should be disclosed for all lawmakers."

When asked whether investigations into the 10 lawmakers who reported virtual asset holdings should be conducted similarly to Rep. Kim, Park said, "Investigations must naturally follow the perspective of the public," emphasizing that disciplinary action against Rep. Kim should be taken after the results of these investigations are released to ensure fairness.

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