Korean Lawmaker Kim Byung-ki's Third Police Questioning Ends Abruptly After 5 Hours

The third police questioning of independent lawmaker Kim Byung-ki, who faces 13 allegations including receiving illicit campaign contributions and lobbying for his son's employment, was cut short early. A fourth round of questioning is now inevitable, further delaying the investigation.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crimes Investigation Unit summoned Kim at 9 a.m. on the 11th for questioning on charges including bribery, abuse of authority, and obstruction of business through deception. However, police said Kim requested to end the session at approximately 1:51 p.m.—after only about five hours—citing health reasons. He boarded his vehicle without answering reporters' questions about what he had explained or whether he denied receiving political funds.

According to police, Kim left without signing the suspect interrogation record. Signing the record is a procedure where suspects confirm and certify statements made to police. If Kim refuses to sign at his next appearance, the questioning will lose its legal validity.

The third questioning came 12 days after his second summons on the 27th of last month. Originally scheduled for the 5th, it was postponed until the 11th at Kim's request. The early termination is considered unusual given that police conducted intensive sessions exceeding 14 hours each during the first and second rounds. Police stated they will reschedule for a fourth round of questioning.

The developments are expected to delay both the investigation and decisions on the suspect's detention. Allegations against Kim first emerged in September last year, but the investigation only began in earnest early this year after he stepped down as Democratic Party floor leader and left the party.

Kim faces allegations of receiving illegal political funds from former Dongjak District council members ahead of the 2020 general election, and of demanding personnel disadvantages against employees at Coupang whom he suspected of leaking information through former aides. He is also suspected of illegally intervening in his second son's employment at a cryptocurrency exchange and transfer admission to Soongsil University. Kim has denied all charges.