Police investigating various allegations of misconduct surrounding Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Byung-kee have questioned 34 people so far as suspects and witnesses.
At a regular press briefing on the 19th, Park Sung-ju, head of the National Office of Investigation (NOI) at the Korean National Police Agency, said, "There have been a total of 29 complaints and 13 allegations (related to the lawmaker)," and stated accordingly.
After searching six locations, including Kim's home, police executed additional search warrants at three places on the day, including Dongjak District Council. After analyzing the seized materials, they plan to set a date to summon Kim.
The Deputy Minister said, "Kim's appearance will likely be possible only after the analysis of the seized materials reaches a certain point."
Kim faces allegations including: ▲ receiving and then returning a nomination bribe ▲ accepting Korean Air hotel vouchers and demanding protocol treatment ▲ an expensive meal with the Coupang chief executive ▲ involvement in the elder son's hiring at the National Intelligence Service ▲ mobilizing aides for the elder son's National Intelligence Service (NIS) duties ▲ meddling in the younger son's transfer to Soongsil University ▲ the spouse's misuse of business promotion expenses and attempts to halt the investigation.
Police plan to summon lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, who is suspected of receiving and then returning "a 1 billion won nomination bribe," on the 20th. In connection with Kang's allegation, eight suspects and witnesses have been questioned so far. The Deputy Minister said, "We will review the materials and statements we have secured and conduct additional investigations."
Kang is suspected of receiving and then returning 1 billion won from Kim Kyung, then a Seoul city council candidate, while serving as a nomination committee member for the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul chapter during the 2022 local elections.
Regarding plans to seek an arrest warrant for Kim, the Seoul city council member, and others, the Deputy Minister only said, "It seems we need to continue the investigation."
Although police have begun investigations involving ruling bloc politicians, criticism continues over "slow-walked probes." The opposition argues that police gave time to destroy evidence, noting that Kim and others left and rejoined Telegram.
The Deputy Minister said, "We are carrying out all necessary investigations according to procedure," and added, "We will proceed swiftly with investigations to uncover the substantive truth regarding the allegations raised."