Police investigating various allegations of misconduct surrounding independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee for 11 months will convene an investigation deliberation committee.
An official at the Korean National Police Agency said at a regular press briefing on the 19th, "The case related to Rep. Kim is scheduled to be placed on the regular agenda of the investigation deliberation committee on the 25th." There are two cases subject to the deliberation request, and the Investigation Deliberation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is conducting the review.
Investigation deliberation is a procedure that parties related to a case, such as complainants or accusers, can initiate if they judge that there is unfairness or illegality in the investigation process or outcome. Through deliberation, instructions can be given for "supplementary or reinvestigation," "expedited processing," or "department or agency transfer or reassignment."
Earlier, the civic group Committee for the People's Livelihood and a former aide to Rep. Kim, who accused and filed a complaint against Kim, submitted applications for deliberation.
Police said that separate from the investigation deliberation committee's outcome, they would speed up the completion of the probe. An official at the Korean National Police Agency said, "I was briefed that the investigation into Rep. Kim will be concluded soon," adding, "We are well aware of concerns about delays, so we will wrap up the investigation as quickly as possible."
Police said that in the probe related to Starbucks' "May 18 Tank Day" event, they are analyzing seized materials. On the 5th, police raided the headquarters of Starbucks Korea in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Police said the special investigation team probing the Dec. 29 passenger plane disaster has booked 26 additional people since its launch and has questioned 74 people to date. An official at the Korean National Police Agency said, "Aside from some charges related to the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, including possible aircraft defects, it appears the probe can be wrapped up within the year."