Seoul: The leadership of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) has called for former floor leader Rep. Kim Byung-kee to voluntarily leave the party due to growing corruption suspicions against him. This demand coincides with the DP's plans to select a new floor leader later in the day.

According to Yonhap News Agency, DP spokesperson Park Soo-hyeon urged Kim to consider what would be in the best interest of the party, hinting at a request for him to relinquish his party membership. Park also mentioned that there were increasing calls within the party leadership for Kim's expulsion.

The pressure on Kim follows his resignation last month amid escalating allegations, including accusations of accepting money from a former local council member in 2020 during his tenure as secretary of the party's Seoul nomination committee. Despite these allegations, Kim has stated he will not resign, even under the threat of expulsion.

DP Chair Jung Chung-rae is reportedly losing sleep over the situation, as he weighs public opinion and party sentiment. The spokesperson indicated that the party is considering all options, including disciplinary action, should Kim refuse to leave.

The controversy intensified after a local media outlet released an audio recording of a conversation between Kim and Rep. Kang Sun-woo. The recording discusses Kang's acceptance of 100 million won (US$68,497) from a Seoul city councilor who was seeking a party nomination for the 2022 local elections. The councilor successfully secured the nomination at that time.