Police Review 13 Allegations Against Independent Rep. Kim Byeong-ki After One-Year Investigation

Amidst an 11-month police investigation into Independent Rep. Kim Byeong-ki, who faces 13 charges including the receipt of illegal political funds, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency held an Investigation Review Committee on the 5th to discuss the validity of the lengthy investigation. Rep. Kim has appeared before the police multiple times for questioning since the investigation began.

This review was held at the request of former aides and civic groups who had raised suspicions and filed complaints against Rep. Kim. These groups have argued that despite having made significant progress in the investigation, the police have been delaying the processing of the case and securing the suspect.

One of the core allegations against Rep. Kim is whether he improperly intervened in the employment and university transfer processes of his second son. Police have been investigating whether Rep. Kim requested a mid-sized company to hire his son to facilitate his transfer to a university. Investigators have also looked into whether the wages paid to his son effectively constituted a bribe for Rep. Kim. If convicted of bribery and sentenced to prison time, Rep. Kim will lose his parliamentary seat.

The Investigation Review Committee will examine the appropriateness and fairness of the investigation process and may recommend expedited case processing or supplementary investigations.