Kim Byung-ki Vows to 'Restore Honor' Amid 13 Allegations

▲Independent lawmaker Kim Byung-ki appeared before police as a suspect on the 26th, facing 13 allegations including illegal political fund receipt. "I will clearly resolve all raised suspicions and defamation, and will certainly restore my honor," he said. Kim, who is being questioned by police for the first time five months after controversies erupted in September last year over allegations of preferential treatment for his second son's university transfer, denies all charges. Police plan to determine how to proceed with his case after two days of questioning on the 26th and 27th. Surely his confidence in restoring his honor has nothing to do with the delayed police investigation.

▲Senior People Power Party lawmakers with four or more terms met with party leader Jang Dong-hyuk on the 26th, demanding a break from former President Yoon Suk-yeol and a change in party direction to win the June 3 local elections. Jang reportedly responded that he would "deliberate carefully and listen to diverse voices," and accepted the revival of the Supreme Senior Council. However, a National Barometer Survey (NBS) conducted from the 23rd to 25th showed the party's approval rating plummeted to 17%, down 5 percentage points from the previous survey two weeks earlier. Jang will need bold reforms that can embrace moderate voters if he hopes to turn public sentiment around.