DP expels North Jeolla Gov. Kim Kwan-young over cash-handout allegations

▲ North Jeolla Governor Kim Kwan-young speaks to reporters at his office in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, on April 1, 2026. (Yonhap)

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DP expels North Jeolla Gov. Kim Kwan-young over cash-handout allegations

SEOUL, April 1 (Yonhap) -- The ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Wednesday expelled North Jeolla Governor Kim Kwan-young over accusations of distributing cash envelopes, barring him from seeking reelection in the upcoming local elections.

"Evidence of cash provision has been identified," Rep. Kang Jun-hyeon, the party's senior spokesperson, said. "The Supreme Council members unanimously voted to expel him."

The move follows a police complaint filed the previous day alleging that Kim handed out cash envelopes to young people at a restaurant.

Kim's expulsion is expected to shake up the governor's race in North Jeolla Province, traditionally a DP stronghold.

The party's primary had been a three-way contest between Kim and Reps. An Ho-young and Lee Won-taeg.

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