Overview
- Kim announced his resignation at a party leadership meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul and issued a public apology, saying the decision was not an attempt to evade responsibility.
- A former aide’s account and media reports describe alleged undue privileges and abuse of authority benefiting himself and family members.
- Specific accusations cite prohibited benefits, including prepaid Korean Air vouchers used for a Jeju hotel stay and a luxury meal provided by a former Coupang executive.
- Family-linked allegations include an audio suggesting his wife sought hiring favors from a senior NIS official, reported use of a district council vice chair’s corporate card, and aides assisting his sons, including a dispute over a crypto firm job following parliamentary questions.
- The opposition People Power Party demanded accountability as commentators said some claims could warrant criminal probes if proven, and Kim exited roughly 200 days into his tenure.