Seoul Police Chief: "Investigation of Businessman in 'Lee Jun-seok Sexual Bribery Allegation' to Conclude on 18th"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The police investigation into Kim Seong-jin, CEO of iKaist, who is suspected of providing sexual favors to Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, will conclude on the 18th.

Kim Kwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said at a press briefing on the morning of the 16th regarding the investigation of Lee’s sexual favor allegations and the status of witness questioning, "Most of the questioning has been conducted, and it seems we will conduct one more session on the 18th and then wrap up." Previously, the police had conducted five rounds of questioning with Kim, a key witness in the case, from the first meeting in June until the 9th of this month. After completing the investigation of Kim, the police plan to review the case records and decide whether to summon Lee.

Regarding the recent change of the investigation chief for this case in the superintendent personnel reshuffle, Commissioner Kim said, "The previous head of the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit had served continuously for a considerable period, and superintendents must serve as police chiefs within Seoul to be eligible for promotion. It was simply time for him to move on, and there were no other considerations." Previously, Kang Il-gu, former head of the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, who had been investigating Lee’s sexual favor allegations, was appointed as the chief of the Seongdong Police Station in Seoul in the superintendent personnel reshuffle on the 11th. Lee Choong-seop, former chief of Anyang Dongan Police Station, was appointed as the new head of the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

In this personnel reshuffle, all heads of major investigation units under the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, except for former chief Kang, were replaced. Jo Chang-bae, former head of the Financial Crime Investigation Unit who investigated the 'Discovery Fund' incident, was appointed chief of Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul, and Choi Jin-tae, former head of the Violent Crime Investigation Unit, was appointed chief of the Seoul Subway Police Unit. Both Jo and Choi had only served seven months in their previous posts. Commissioner Kim explained, "Personnel transfers are entirely under the jurisdiction of the National Police Agency Commissioner, but I believe they comprehensively considered the individuals’ wishes and the strengthening of intelligence investigations."

Regarding the investigation into allegations of false credentials submitted by Kim Geon-hee, wife of President Yoon Seok-yeol, Commissioner Kim said, "We are conducting a final legal review based on the written response submitted by Mrs. Kim," adding, "It is expected to be concluded soon." Concerning the investigation into the subway boarding and alighting protests by the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Disability Discrimination (Jeonjangyeon), he said, "Out of 27 subjects, investigations of two have been completed, and we are currently requesting additional appearances."

Regarding President Yoon’s directive last month during his visit to the Sinchon Police Substation in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, to expand firearm distribution as a measure against violent criminals, Commissioner Kim said, "I understand the National Police Agency is formulating an overall plan. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency currently allocates one firearm per two officers, which is better than other provincial police agencies, and we plan to ensure proficiency through continuous training."

Regarding the search operation for a man in his 20s who went missing at the Han River riverside the previous day, Commissioner Kim stated, "The search is progressing slowly due to the Han River’s water level rising from recent heavy rains, but we intend to continue the search." The man in his 20s went missing at the Han River riverside in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, while with friends, and police and fire authorities are conducting the search. A police official explained, "The Han River Police Unit and fire department are using drones and mobile units for the search, but the muddy water is causing difficulties."

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