Kim Kwan-young, the governor of Jeollabuk-do who was expelled from the Democratic Party of Korea, said Wednesday that he filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to suspend the expulsion with the Seoul Southern District Court the previous day.
"I am deeply reflecting on my careless conduct in that moment," Kim said in a Facebook post.
He described the legal action as "a last struggle to remain in the party I love," adding that he would "faithfully explain myself before the court."
"The young people who were with me are not at fault. They received what I gave them as designated driver fees out of concern about drunk driving, but they recognized the problem and returned the money immediately," Kim said. "I think it is too much to consider disciplining those young people as well."
"I will wait for the judiciary's judgment," Kim said. "I earnestly pray that the injunction will be granted so that I can return to the Democratic Party. The wind and rain are fierce, but I will not stop."
Kim came under suspicion in November last year for allegedly handing cash to incumbent city and provincial council members and young party members at a restaurant in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do.
Democratic Party Chairman Jeong Cheong-rae ordered an emergency inspection of Kim by the party's ethics inspection unit. The party's supreme council subsequently expelled Kim following a late-night closed-door meeting. Kim had been in the middle of a party primary race seeking re-election.