South Korean Ruling Party Leader Apologizes Over Free Hotel Stay From Korean Air

The floor leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, Rep. Kim Byung-ki, issued a public apology on Monday, following a Yonhap report that he had accepted free hotel accommodation from the nation's flag carrier, Korean Air. The revelation has sparked a political firestorm, as Kim was serving on a key parliamentary committee with jurisdiction over the airline's then-pending merger with its rival, Asiana Airlines.

Allegations and Conflict of Interest

According to a report by a local daily, Rep. Kim used a free hotel invitation from Korean Air in 2019, receiving rooms and services reportedly worth about $3,000. At the time, he was a member of the National Assembly's political affairs committee, which was tasked with reviewing the corporate merger—a deal with major implications for the country's aviation industry.

In a statement, Kim said he would "exercise greater caution" in the future and pledged to "immediately return the accommodation costs." He did, however, dispute the value cited in the media, arguing there was a "significant difference between the value... and the actual cost."

Political Fallout and Anti-Graft Law

The main opposition Democratic Party swiftly criticized Kim's actions. The party claimed the accommodation likely violates South Korea's stringent anti-graft law, which prohibits public officials from receiving goods or services worth more than $900 from a single source in a year, regardless of whether it's related to their official duties.

The opposition party added that an investigation would be "unavoidable" unless Kim provides an explanation that is acceptable to the public.