Prosecutors Accelerate Investigation into 'Kim Bong-hyun Perjury Allegations' and 'Bithumb Listing Bribery' Ahead of Personnel Changes

Possibility of Investigating Kim Young-min Regarding the 'SG Incident' Also Open

Ahead of the regular personnel reshuffle at the prosecution, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office is expected to accelerate investigations into the 'Attorney Kim Bong-hyun perjury coaching case' and the 'Bithumb listing solicitation suspicion.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A representative of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office told reporters on the 16th that "cases that have been under investigation for a long time are expected to be concluded" before the regular personnel reshuffle. When asked about the 'Attorney Kim Bong-hyun perjury coaching' case and the 'Bithumb listing solicitation suspicion' case, the representative referred to them as "long-standing cases." The regular personnel reshuffle at the prosecution usually takes place from late June to early July, but this time it is expected to be held at the end of August.

Attorney Lee (48), who is accused of perjury coaching, is suspected of being involved in the situation where Kim Bong-hyun, former chairman of Star Mobility (49), claimed in 2020 through a 'prison statement' that "the prosecution coaxed him to testify about former passport politicians" and later retracted his statements. The prosecution requested arrest warrants for Attorney Lee twice in March and April, but the court dismissed both requests. A prosecution official said regarding this case, "If the arrest warrant was re-requested, it generally means there is no problem proving the charges."

The 'Bithumb listing solicitation suspicion' involves Kang Jong-hyun (41), who was indicted in custody, allegedly delivering cash to Lee Sang-jun, CEO of Bithumb Holdings, along with a solicitation to list a specific coin. A prosecution official said, "Regarding Bident, the parts related to company operations have been somewhat settled, but the parts related to the listing solicitation remain," adding, "Although there is no set decision on whether to close specific cases, I think long-standing cases should be prioritized."

The prosecution has also left open the possibility of investigating Kim Young-min, chairman of Seoul City Gas, who is suspected of being involved in the 'SG Securities-triggered stock price crash' incident. A prosecution official said, "We are considering investigations into other figures besides former Dowoom Group chairman Kim Ik-rae," but added, "We will not investigate only some of the individuals about whom questions have been raised." The possibility of summoning former chairman Kim Ik-rae for questioning was also mentioned.

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