Independent lawmaker Kim Byung-ki appeared before police as a suspect on Feb. 26, marking the first formal questioning since allegations against him surfaced five months ago.
Kim arrived at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit in Mapo-gu on charges including bribery. The summons comes approximately five months after controversies first erupted in September last year over alleged preferential treatment for his second son's university transfer.
"I am sorry to face the public under these circumstances," Kim told reporters upon arrival at the Mapo branch of the Metropolitan Investigation Unit. "I will cooperate fully with the investigation to clear all allegations and defamation, and I will certainly restore my honor."
When asked whether he denied all allegations, Kim avoided a direct answer, saying only that he would "cooperate fully with the investigation."
Police plan to conduct intensive questioning over two days regarding 13 separate allegations against Kim. Investigators are expected to focus on illegal political fund transactions and nomination-related misconduct.
Kim is accused of receiving tens of millions of won from Dongjak-gu council members in exchange for party nominations ahead of the 2020 general election. He also faces obstruction of business charges related to alleged preferential treatment for his children. Kim is suspected of mobilizing his staff to lobby for his second son's university transfer and employment at a cryptocurrency exchange.
Police said they will determine how to proceed with Kim's case after completing the two-day questioning.