Police Investigate Complainant in 'Alleged Preferential Hospitalization of Hong Nam-gi's Son' Case

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency file photo / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jung] The police are investigating the allegation that the son of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Hong Nam-ki received preferential treatment to be admitted to Seoul National University Hospital.

The Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is currently questioning Kim Soon-hwan, Secretary General of the People's Livelihood Countermeasure Committee, who filed a complaint against Deputy Prime Minister Hong and Kim Yeon-su, Director of Seoul National University Hospital, on charges of abuse of authority, obstruction of business, and violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

The People's Livelihood Countermeasure Committee stated, "It is virtually impossible for ordinary people to be admitted to Seoul National University Hospital, which is experiencing a shortage of beds, unless it is an emergency. Deputy Prime Minister Hong, as a high-ranking public official, violated the rules," and filed the complaint with the police on the 5th of this month.

Before the investigation on the day, Secretary General Kim told reporters, "In a situation where numerous patients are struggling to find beds, I question what fairness, common sense, and principles mean," adding, "I believe Deputy Prime Minister Hong should not only apologize but also take responsibility and resign."

Deputy Prime Minister Hong's son, Mr. A, visited the emergency room of Seoul National University Hospital on the morning of the 24th of last month due to leg fever and pain. However, after being diagnosed as not an emergency case, he agreed to go to another hospital, and his patient registration was canceled. Nevertheless, after a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister Hong and Director Kim, it was revealed that Mr. A was admitted to a single deluxe room at Seoul National University Hospital for two nights and three days starting that afternoon, raising suspicions of 'preferential admission.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.