Democratic Party Unanimously Expels Governor Kim Gwan-young; Cash Distribution Allegations Confirmed

The Democratic Party on the 1st unanimously expelled Jeonbuk Governor Kim Gwan-young, whose circumstances of providing cash were identified, during a party Supreme Council meeting. Kang Jun-hyun, Senior Spokesperson, stated in a briefing immediately after the meeting, "Circumstances of providing cash were identified, and a unanimous decision by the Supreme Council to expel Governor Kim was resolved."

The details of the case were revealed through a briefing by Secretary-General Cho Seung-rae. A report regarding the matter was brought to the party leadership early in the morning, and following an immediate disciplinary inspection order from Leader Jeong Cheong-rae, the Ethics Inspection Team directly inspected on-site party officials and Governor Kim himself. During the inspection, Governor Kim was confirmed to have admitted to providing cash.

Regarding the background of the expulsion, Secretary-General Cho stated, "While there may be differences in the amount, Governor Kim admitted to providing cash." He added, "We could not take a lenient approach to a situation where a current provincial governor is recorded on CCTV distributing cash nationwide, regardless of the circumstances," emphasizing that "the party judged this by the strictest possible standards."

Governor Kim's expulsion will also directly affect the Jeonbuk gubernatorial primary race. Originally, three preliminary candidates were slated to register for the primary election scheduled for April 4, 2026. However, with Governor Kim's expulsion, the race will now be a two-way contest between candidates Lee Won-taek and An Ho-young.