Independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee (former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea), who faces various allegations of misconduct including taking bribes for nominations, appeared before police on the 26th as a suspect. Police launched an investigation into the lawmaker's corruption allegations in September last year, and this is the first summons for questioning in five months.
Kim arrived at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Mapo building at about 8:57 a.m. that day. He said, "I am sorry to meet you under these circumstances," adding, "I will cooperate fully with the investigation to clear away all suspicions and slander raised against me and will restore my honor."
When reporters asked, "Are you denying all 13 allegations?" and "What is your position on allegations that you received money from district council members?" Kim only said, "I will cooperate fully with the investigation." Asked, "Did you move the safe that was at your second son's home?" Kim said, "There is no safe."
The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to question Kim over two days, on the 26th and 27th, on charges including taking bribes, abuse of power, and obstruction of business by fraudulent means.
At the core of the allegations involving Kim is the "bribery-for-nomination" suspicion. He is accused of taking a total of 30 million won from two former Dongjak District Council members ahead of the 2020 general election and then returning it.
Kim also faces allegations that he condoned circumstances indicating that independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo (former Democratic Party of Korea) received 100 million won from former Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Kyung ahead of the 2022 local elections.
Other allegations include: ▲ covering up an internal probe into his wife's private use of the Dongjak District Council vice chair's corporate card ▲ interfering in his eldest son's hiring at the National Intelligence Service ▲ granting special favors for his second son's university transfer and employment ▲ asking Coupang to disadvantage a former aide in personnel matters ▲ receiving favors from Korean Air Lines.
Police consolidated scattered cases related to Kim and assigned them to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit in December last year for investigation. Although they summoned Kim's wife and other related figures several times, Kim himself had not been called in, sparking criticism of a "slow-walked investigation."
Over the two days, police plan to question Kim over the misconduct allegations and review whether to seek custody.