Prosecutors Investigate Former Minister Candidate Kim Seung-hee as Suspect for Violation of Political Funds Act

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] It has been confirmed that former Minister of Health and Welfare nominee Kim Seung-hee was investigated by the prosecution as a suspect.

On the 20th, the Criminal Division 6 of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Jun-dong) announced that they summoned and investigated former nominee Kim the previous day.

Kim, who previously served as the head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, is suspected of using his political funds during his time as a member of the 20th National Assembly to provide encouragement money to his aides and donations to fellow party lawmakers.

There are also allegations that he purchased rental cars after repainting them with political funds and used legislative policy development expenses for opinion polls.

The National Election Commission referred Kim to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office for investigation on charges of violating the Political Funds Act, and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office transferred the case to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office.

Amid the controversy, Kim voluntarily resigned from his minister nominee position on the 4th of this month. However, Kim denied the allegations, stating, "There was absolutely no intentional misuse for personal purposes, and the issue arose from a practical error in the accounting process."

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