Police investigating various allegations against independent lawmaker Kim Byung-ki have launched a compulsory investigation into Boramae Hospital, which is suspected of providing preferential medical treatment to Kim's family, it was belatedly revealed.
According to police and other sources on the 8th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit conducted a raid on Boramae Hospital in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the 6th of this month. Through this raid, police plan to secure materials including medical records related to the "family medical privilege" allegation, one of the key suspicions surrounding the lawmaker.
Earlier in 2024, text messages were disclosed revealing circumstances in which Kim's family member received medical treatment at Boramae Hospital without waiting. The controversy intensified as this occurred during a period when ordinary citizens were unable to receive proper medical care due to the escalating conflict between the government and medical community over increasing medical school admissions. Kim denied the privilege allegations after they were raised.
Police are also investigating a total of 13 allegations, including whether preferential treatment was provided when Kim's second son transferred to Soongsil University. At approximately 8:56 a.m. on this day, Kim appeared at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Regional Investigation Unit's Mapo office for his sixth round of questioning, stating, "It seems like they're calling me in too many times, but I will faithfully explain myself." When reporters asked whether he would waive his parliamentary immunity from arrest if an arrest warrant were sought, Kim replied, "How could an arrest warrant possibly be sought?" before entering the building.