Seoul: The former floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), Rep. Kim Byung-kee, has decided to voluntarily leave the party over allegations of bribery and misconduct. This decision comes a week after the party's ethics panel voted for his expulsion.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim submitted a formal secession document to withdraw from the DP, which will prevent the party from needing to vote on his expulsion. His resignation follows the ethics committee's decision to expel him after he refused to step down despite the party leadership's calls for his resignation.

Kim announced that he would not contest the panel's decision, stating, "I decided that I should fully shoulder the burden if there is even the slightest disagreement within the party and any burden on my colleagues because of me." He further expressed his intent to cooperate with the investigation and provide all necessary evidence to prove his innocence.

Kim urged the party to finalize his expulsion at the Supreme Council, avoiding a general meeting of lawmakers. Party rules stipulate that the expulsion of a sitting lawmaker requires a majority vote from party lawmakers.

Kim stepped down from his leadership role last month amid allegations of preferential treatment and power abuse, including accusations against his wife for allegedly using a city council's corporate card for personal expenses.