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The moral controversies surrounding Kim Byung-ki, the Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, have crossed a line. Following allegations of "daddy’s chance" (nepotism), power abuse against his staff, and various preferential treatments, a new and grave allegation emerged on the 29th. It is claimed that Kim used parliamentary inquiries to attack a competitor of a company where he allegedly solicited a job for his second son. If true, this is a blatant privatization of legislative power and a total collapse of public trust in the National Assembly. Can a leader whose public ethics have crumbled truly lead the majority party and represent the people?
According to reports by Kyunghyang Shinmun, after meeting with the CEO of the virtual asset exchange Bithumb last November, Kim reportedly instructed his aides to "attack Bithumb’s competitor." Subsequently, in February—after his son was hired by Bithumb—Kim raised issues regarding the monopoly of Upbit, Bithumb's rival, during a session of the National Assembly’s Political Affairs Committee. Since this committee oversees financial authorities, his actions constitute a clear suspicion of conflict of interest and improper solicitation.
The list of moral failures continues to grow. Following the controversy over high-priced meals provided by Coupang, allegations have surfaced regarding the acceptance of hotel vouchers from Korean Air, demands for preferential medical treatment for his family at a public hospital, and the mobilization of his aides to assist with his eldest son’s duties at the National Intelligence Service. Most recently, on the 27th, his spouse was accused of misappropriating a Dongjak District Council corporate card. These incidents paint a picture of a politician reigning like a "privileged class," treating public staff as personal servants. For citizens struggling through difficult daily lives, such behavior triggers nothing but a profound sense of deprivation and outrage.
Despite the severity, Kim has consistently denied the charges or responded with explanations that miss the point. In an attempt at "water-muddying," he released chat logs of a former aide—suspected of being the whistleblower—to question their integrity rather than addressing his own. Kim has announced a press conference for the 30th, and rumors suggest he may focus on an apology rather than resignation. He is mistaken if he believes a mere bow of the head, after a long period of stubbornness, will soothe the public's anger. That, in itself, is another form of "exceptionalism." Floor Leader Kim must face reality and make the right decision: he must resign.
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