13 Allegations Including Nomination Funds... Police Summon Kim Byunggi for Seventh Time

Charges Include Abuse of Authority and Violations of the Political Funds Act

The police have summoned Kim Byung-gi, an independent lawmaker facing 13 allegations including the receipt of nomination funds, for questioning for the seventh time.

The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency began questioning Assemblyman Kim at the Mapo General Government Complex at 2 p.m. on April 10, on charges including abuse of authority and violations of the Political Funds Act. This comes just two days after his sixth round of questioning on April 8.

Independent lawmaker Byunggi Kim, who is suspected of bribery and other charges, is appearing at the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 10th for questioning. Photo by Yonhap News

Assemblyman Kim appeared before the police at around 1:55 p.m. and did not respond to any questions, including whether he believed an arrest warrant would not be requested, his thoughts on criticisms of investigation delays, or whether he was still experiencing back pain.

Assemblyman Kim is accused of receiving 30 million won in cash from two members of the Dongjak District Council in Seoul and subsequently returning it ahead of the 2020 general election. There are also allegations that his spouse, Ms. Lee, misused the Dongjak District Council’s corporate credit card for personal expenses, and that Kim exerted undue influence during a preliminary police inquiry at the Dongjak Police Station related to his spouse’s case. In total, 13 allegations have surfaced, including claims of preferential treatment for his younger son’s transfer to Soongsil University and employment at Bithumb.

As criticism mounted over delays in the investigation into Assemblyman Kim, the police announced that they would decide sequentially on whether to refer or not refer each case, starting with those in which the facts have been established. At a regular briefing on April 6, Park Jeong-bo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated, "For some of the 13 allegations against Assemblyman Kim, the investigation has proceeded to a point where we can determine whether charges are warranted," adding, "We will reach conclusions on several cases in the near future."

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