The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's investigation review committee ordered police, who have been investigating various misconduct allegations against independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee for 11 months, to "handle the case promptly within one month."
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's investigation review committee held a regular meeting on the 25th and, after reviewing two agenda items related to Kim, resolved as such. The committee, however, said, "If it is unavoidably necessary to extend the processing deadline, we recommend requesting an extension from the committee by specifying the deadline and explaining the specific reasons," adding, "The committee will strictly review the need for any (deadline extension)."
An investigation review is a procedure that parties to a case, such as complainants or accusers, may file if they judge that the investigation process or results are unfair or unlawful.
Outside experts, including attorneys, take part in the investigation review committee. While police are not strictly required to follow the committee's instructions, it is also difficult to refuse without just cause.
Earlier, the civic group People's Livelihood Measures Committee, which filed a criminal complaint against Kim, and a former aide to Kim, who filed a complaint, submitted review applications, saying the police investigation was being delayed.
Ahead of the general election, Kim faces allegations of receiving illegal funds from former Dongjak-gu council members, allegations of quashing a police investigation related to the suspected misuse of a corporate card by a spouse, and allegations of soliciting his second son's university transfer and employment.
Police investigating 13 allegations against Kim conducted a seventh summons investigation on Apr. 10 and have not called Kim again since, but for more than four months have not decided on measures such as detention handling or whether to refer the case to prosecutors.
Police, however, have said they have largely整理ed the supplemental parts of the 13 cases and will reach a conclusion soon. At a regular press briefing the previous day, Seoul Metropolitan Police Commissioner Park Jeong-bo said of Kim's case, "Most of the necessary investigation has been completed, and we are proceeding with the procedures needed to close the case."