The Democratic Party of Korea dismissed Kang Min-goo, deputy director of the Ethics Inspection Team, on September 1. This decision came shortly after an internal message from Kang was captured by media, in which he mentioned the possibility of interference in the Ethics Inspection Team's appointments by supporters of former leader Jeong Cheong-rae, stating, "It seems we need to take control quickly."
The party announced through a media release that "Representative Kim Min-seok has ordered the immediate dismissal of Kang Min-goo, deputy director of the Ethics Inspection Team." The party did not disclose specific reasons for the dismissal.
Earlier that day, during the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Assembly's first regular session, a scene was captured by some media outlets showing Democratic Party Supreme Council member Park Seon-won confirming a Telegram message received from Kang.
In the released message, Kang expressed concerns that individuals associated with former leader Jeong were attempting to exert influence over Kim Gi-pyo, the head of the Ethics Inspection Team, regarding additional appointments. Kang wrote, "Another person is being recommended for the deputy director position, possibly Jang In-jae and someone else." He further noted, "Since Jang In-jae from Jeong Cheong-rae's side is a former prosecutor, it seems there is some maneuvering with Kim Gi-pyo. I haven't received any contact from the central party to come to work, so I hope you can mention this to the Secretary General." He concluded with, "It seems we need to take control quickly."
The Kim Gi-pyo mentioned by Kang was appointed as the head of the Ethics Inspection Team under Kim Min-seok's leadership. Kim Min-seok appointed Kim Gi-pyo on August 21 and Kang Min-goo on August 31, meaning Kang was dismissed just a day after his appointment.
The Ethics Inspection Team is a permanent internal body that monitors illegal and unethical behavior among party members and key officials.
This controversy has raised concerns that the appointments within the Ethics Inspection Team could escalate into factional conflicts within the party. Since Kim Min-seok took office, uniting the party amid factional disputes that surfaced during the party convention has been a major task.
The immediate dismissal of Kang Min-goo by Kim Min-seok following the message's release is interpreted as a measure to prevent the controversy from escalating into factional conflicts. However, the Democratic Party has not provided further explanation regarding the specific reasons for Kang's dismissal or its connection to the message.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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