Kim Byunggi Appears for Third Police Summons over 13 Allegations Including Nomination Bribery

Allegations Include Bribery and Abuse of Authority

The police have summoned Kim Byunggi, an independent lawmaker who is under suspicion for 13 different irregularities, including allegations of nomination bribery, for a third round of questioning.

The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency began questioning Assemblyman Kim as a suspect on charges including bribery and abuse of authority from 9:00 a.m. on March 11, 2026.

Independent lawmaker Byungki Kim is appearing at the Mapo Police Station of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 11th for a third summons investigation. Photo by O Ji-eun

At approximately 8:55 a.m. that day, Assemblyman Kim entered the Mapo General Government Complex of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. When asked by reporters about which points he planned to clarify during the investigation, he replied, "I will cooperate with the investigation," before proceeding to the interrogation room.

Assemblyman Kim had previously appeared for police questioning on two consecutive days, February 26 and 27, but is reported to have denied most of the charges.

Kim is suspected of receiving a total of 30 million won from former Dongjak District Council members Jeon and Kim ahead of the 21st general elections in 2020 and then returning the money. It is reported that Jeon and Kim told police they handed 10 million won to Lee Jihee, Vice Chairwoman of the Dongjak District Council and close aide to Kim, and 20 million won to Kim's spouse.

Kim's side has denied the allegations, presenting an alibi based on his schedule and photographs from that time.

The police are also investigating whether Assemblyman Kim lobbied for his second son to be hired at Bithumb, a domestic virtual asset exchange, and subsequently engaged in legislative activities that could disadvantage Bithumb's competitor, Dunamu. On February 24, the police conducted a search and seizure at Bithumb's headquarters and secured personnel-related documents. In addition, the investigation is looking into allegations that Kim's spouse misused a corporate credit card belonging to the Dongjak District Council and that there were illicit lobbying activities related to the employment of former aides.

The police plan to closely examine all the allegations raised during this investigation and will consider whether to pursue further legal action against Assemblyman Kim based on the results.

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