Police have received a complaint and launched an investigation into Democratic Party candidate Kim Yong-nam over allegations that he operated a lending business under another person's name.
The Pyeongtaek Citizens Foundation, a civic group based in Pyeongtaek, said Friday that it had filed a complaint against Kim on charges of violating the Act on Registration of Credit Business and Protection of Financial Users, as well as for publishing false information under the Public Official Election Act.
"Kim is suspected of effectively owning and operating a lending business through an agricultural corporation in which he holds a 90% stake," the foundation said in its complaint. "Kim's attempt to conceal these allegations constitutes a serious crime that obstructs voters from making rational choices."
A media outlet recently reported allegations that Kim operated a lending business under another person's name through an agricultural corporation he owns and received dividends from it. Kim refuted the claims, saying, "It is not true," and "The establishment and operation of the company were all carried out properly in accordance with legal procedures."
Police plan to review the contents of the complaint and investigate the circumstances of the case.
