'Kim Hye-kyung Errand and Corporate Card Misuse Allegation' Informant Applies for Whistleblower Protection at Anti-Corruption Commission

If recognized as a public interest whistleblower, measures such as 'protection of whistleblower identity including personal information' and 'prohibition of disadvantageous treatment against whistleblowers' will be enforced

Kim Hye-kyung, wife of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, expressed her thoughts on her visit to Gyeongnam after visiting a oyster farm in Tongyeong on the 27th of last month as the final schedule of her 2-day, 1-night visit to Gyeongnam.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Mr. A, a former Grade 7 special secretary at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Secretariat who reported allegations of 'errands and misuse of corporate cards' by Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, applied for whistleblower protection to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) on the 8th.

On the same day, Mr. A submitted whistleblower application documents to the ACRC through his legal representative. Earlier, after raising suspicions related to Ms. Kim, Mr. A appealed for protective measures, stating that his identity was exposed through YouTube channels and other means, causing him mental distress.

If the ACRC recognizes Mr. A as a whistleblower, he will receive protections under the Whistleblower Protection Act, including 'confidentiality of personal information and whistleblower identity' and 'prohibition of disadvantageous measures against the whistleblower.'

To be recognized as a whistleblower, the ACRC must hold a plenary committee meeting to review the whistleblower requirements under the Public Officials Whistleblower Protection Act and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Act, and verify the applicant’s protection request. After a resolution process, the decision on whether to recognize Mr. A as a whistleblower will be made. However, if urgent protection is deemed necessary, the Chairperson of the ACRC can decide ex officio.

Mr. A alleged that during Lee’s tenure as Governor of Gyeonggi Province, Ms. Kim instructed personal errands through him, who was then a government official at the provincial office.

He claimed that Ms. Kim had him pick up medicine under someone else’s name, handle the discharge procedures for Lee’s eldest son, receive mail at her residence, deliver food, organize underwear and socks, and fill out hospital questionnaires on her behalf, among other personal errands.

In response, after an event on the 4th, Lee met with reporters and stated, "I apologize once again to the people for causing controversy and trouble. It is entirely my fault."

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