SEOUL, December 30 (AJP) - Kim Byung-ki, floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), resigned from his post on Tuesday amid various bribery allegations and other misconduct.
"Being at the center of snowballing allegations every day, I have become an obstacle to the party and the Lee Jae-myung administration, so I have decided to step down," he said.
"I'm deeply sorry and apologize to the people," he said, adding, "My actions fell far short of the public's expectations and common sense, and the responsibility lies entirely with my shortcomings."
"It was difficult to accept that a single allegation was being amplified and treated as fact, rather than properly seeking the truth," Kim explained.
Among a spate of allegations, he was provided with free hotel accommodation and other services worth about 1.6 million Korean won (US$1,080) by flagship carrier Korean Air in November last year, when its merger talks with rival Asiana Airlines were pending.
Soon after, another controversy arose over his spouse's use of a corporate credit card and alleged preferential treatment at a hospital for his eldest son.
Despite denying all these mounting allegations, he faced increased pressure to step down after a recording surfaced earlier this week suggesting he had overlooked the party's acceptance of 100 million won in nomination funds in 2022.
The DP is expected to elect a new floor leader within a month, in accordance with its internal rules.
"Being at the center of snowballing allegations every day, I have become an obstacle to the party and the Lee Jae-myung administration, so I have decided to step down," he said.
"I'm deeply sorry and apologize to the people," he said, adding, "My actions fell far short of the public's expectations and common sense, and the responsibility lies entirely with my shortcomings."
"It was difficult to accept that a single allegation was being amplified and treated as fact, rather than properly seeking the truth," Kim explained.
Among a spate of allegations, he was provided with free hotel accommodation and other services worth about 1.6 million Korean won (US$1,080) by flagship carrier Korean Air in November last year, when its merger talks with rival Asiana Airlines were pending.
Soon after, another controversy arose over his spouse's use of a corporate credit card and alleged preferential treatment at a hospital for his eldest son.
Despite denying all these mounting allegations, he faced increased pressure to step down after a recording surfaced earlier this week suggesting he had overlooked the party's acceptance of 100 million won in nomination funds in 2022.
The DP is expected to elect a new floor leader within a month, in accordance with its internal rules.
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