Seoul Cheong "Investigation into Lee Jun-seok's Allegations Progressing Slowly... More Witness Interviews Needed"

Kim Kwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Sung-pil] Kim Kwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated on the 1st regarding the investigation into allegations of sexual bribery and evidence tampering involving Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, that "the investigation is progressing slowly due to the main witness being incarcerated."

At a regular morning press briefing, Commissioner Kim said, "We are investigating all the raised issues according to law and principles." The main witness he referred to is Kim Sung-jin, CEO of iKist. He is the person who exposed that he provided sexual bribery to Lee. A separate case unrelated to Lee’s sexual bribery allegations is currently under detention. Commissioner Kim added, "We have conducted three interrogations with CEO Kim so far, and depending on the investigation schedule, several more interrogations will be necessary."

The police investigation into Lee is proceeding along three main lines: ▲the prostitution allegation that Lee received sexual bribery from CEO Kim ▲the bribery allegation that Lee arranged a meeting between CEO Kim and former President Park in exchange for sexual bribery ▲the evidence tampering allegation that Lee attempted to persuade witness Jang, who raised sexual misconduct allegations, through Kim Cheol-geun, the party leader’s political secretary.

Initially, when the People Power Party’s Ethics Committee imposed a six-month suspension of party membership on Lee on the 7th of last month, it was expected that the police investigation would accelerate; however, the situation has proven challenging. An investigation official explained, "Since CEO Kim is incarcerated, visitation times are limited," adding, "We are trying to wrap up the investigation."

Regarding criticism that the large number of interrogations with the witness is slowing down the entire investigation, Commissioner Kim emphasized, "I cannot speak in detail due to the confidentiality of the investigation, but CEO Kim is a key witness in this case." An investigation official also clarified, "CEO Kim is a very important witness in this case," and "His testimony must be completed."

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the People Power Party [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the investigation into allegations of false credentials by Kim Geon-hee, wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol, Commissioner Kim said, "There are quite a few points to verify in the response letter received from Mrs. Kim," and added, "We are currently verifying them." An investigation official further explained, "Fact-checking with the school involved in the false credentials allegation has already been completed," and "Since this is within the scope of the investigation, we cannot disclose specific details, but these are minor matters."

On the investigation related to the deaths of entertainment establishment employees and customers, Commissioner Kim stated, "Recently, investigators arrested six suspects, including suppliers, and five of them have been detained," adding, "I believe the investigation into drug supply will gain momentum." He also noted that the autopsy results related to the two deceased have not yet been returned from the National Institute of Scientific Investigation.

Regarding the investigation into the subway boarding and alighting and road-blocking protests by the Jeonjangyeon (Seoul Metropolitan Subway Disabled Persons’ Rights Association), Commissioner Kim explained, "We are investigating 26 people, but the Jeonjangyeon side is refusing to cooperate citing elevator issues," and "We have already set up an interrogation room on the first floor, and despite there being no problems related to that situation, they are not cooperating with the investigation." He added, "Considering everything, we plan to designate Namdaemun Police Station, where elevators are installed, as the focused investigation office."

Regarding the special crackdown on drunk driving conducted by the Seoul police during the summer vacation season, Commissioner Kim explained, "During the first week of the special crackdown (July 22?28), a total of 268 drunk driving cases were caught," noting, "This is about a 92.8% increase compared to the same period last year." He added, "Among vehicle types, drunk driving in passenger cars increased by 50%, and especially drunk driving of personal mobility devices (PM), such as electric kickboards and two-wheeled electric vehicles, surged nearly sixfold," and stated, "We will continue to enforce crackdowns on PMs without exception."

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