Former Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung‑kee will not appeal a committee decision to strip him of his party membership.
Kim stated during a news conference at the National Assembly on Monday that he did not wish to create dissension within his party and preferred to bear the burden of his circumstances alone.
He requested that the party finalize the explusion at the leadership level, stating that he did not wish to drag other lawmakers through a general meeting vote.
Last Monday, the DP's ethics committee voted to remove Kim from the ruling camp after reviewing 13 allegations against him, including claims that he accepted money in exchange for local election nominations, mistreated aides and received luxury hotel vouchers alongside accusations that his spouse misused official funds for personal purposes.
Kim said he would cooperate with police investigations and that they would prove his innocence.
DP rules require a majority vote of lawmakers to expel an incumbent.