Kim Hye-kyung Ends 'Corporate Card Allegation' Investigation After 5 Hours... Silent to Reporters' Questions

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Myunghwan] Kim Hyekyung, spouse of Lee Jae-myung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, finished an investigation regarding the 'corporate card misuse allegations' on the 23rd and returned home.

Kim left the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Unit at the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency around 6:50 PM after being questioned as a suspect. It was about five hours after she appeared at the police station.

When reporters waiting asked questions such as "Did you admit to the charges?" and "Did you ever instruct the private use of the corporate card?" Kim did not respond and got into a car.

During the investigation, the police reportedly questioned Kim about various suspicions, including whether she paid for personal meals using the Gyeonggi Province corporate card through Bae Mo, a level 5 special employee in the General Affairs Division of the former Gyeonggi Provincial Government, or if she obtained illegal prescriptions under another person's name.

Before her appearance, Kim's side expressed regret on the lawmaker's office Facebook page, stating, "There is clear evidence that Kim was unaware of the corporate card usage, and we regret that the police have summoned her for questioning."

There are currently no plans for additional summonses for Kim. The police plan to conclude the investigation soon based on materials secured through searches and testimonies from those involved, and decide whether to forward the case for prosecution. The decision is likely to be made within this month.

Earlier, the People Power Party filed complaints against Lee, Kim, Bae, and others in February ahead of the presidential election, alleging that Kim used public officials for private errands such as food delivery and housework, paid for personal meals with the Gyeonggi Province corporate card, and obtained illegal prescriptions under others' names.

After receiving multiple complaints including these, the police conducted searches at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and 129 restaurants where the corporate card was used, summoned key figures such as Bae and the initial whistleblower, and have been conducting investigations.

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