Lawmaker Kim Faces 14.5-Hour Police Grilling Over 13 Allegations

Independent lawmaker Kim Byung-ki returned home after enduring a 14.5-hour interrogation during his first police summons over 13 allegations including illegal political fund collection.

Kim left the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Mapo office at approximately 11:33 p.m. on the 26th after completing his questioning as a suspect. When reporters asked what he had focused on in his defense, he replied only "Thank you for your hard work" before getting into his vehicle. He reportedly denied some of the charges during questioning by the Public Crimes Investigation Unit. Upon arriving at approximately 8:57 a.m., he had claimed the allegations against him were "slander."

Police reportedly focused on substantiating allegations that Kim's second son received preferential admission to Soongsil University's contract department and secured employment at cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb. Investigators determined there is clear evidence Kim took direct action, including visiting the university and contacting corporate officials, to secure benefits for his child. Bribery charges may also apply, as evidence suggests Kim conducted legislative activities favorable to Bithumb in exchange for his son's employment.

Police plan to summon Kim again on the 27th to investigate remaining allegations before deciding whether to seek detention. Investigators will also examine facts related to illegal political fund collection and nomination-related misconduct. Kim is suspected of receiving tens of millions of won from Dongjak-gu council members in exchange for nomination ahead of the 2020 general election. He is also under investigation for allegedly overlooking cash exchanges within the party while serving as secretary of the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul branch nomination management committee during the 2022 local elections.

Police are also examining whether Kim pressured front-line investigators to drop an internal probe into his spouse's alleged misuse of a corporate card. Additional allegations include receiving preferential treatment for himself or family members through hospitals and airlines, and pressuring Coupang to take personnel action against former aides suspected of exposing these allegations. Kim has categorically denied all charges, stating he would "quit politics if legally responsible for even one of the allegations raised." After the Democratic Party's Ethics Tribunal ruled to expel him, he voluntarily left the party without pursuing an appeal.