Kim Byung-gi, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is questioning at the confirmation hearing for Park Ji-won, the nominee for the Director of the National Intelligence Service, held by the National Assembly Intelligence Committee in July. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Kim Byung-gi, a member of the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea, has stated that he "was not involved at all" in the allegations that his son received special treatment during his military service.
On the 22nd, KBS reported based on a document reported by Lieutenant Colonel Park, who was the head of the military police battalion of the 10th Fighter Wing at the end of last year, to the Air Force Headquarters Military Police Corps, that the highest-ranking officer of the unit to which Kim’s son belonged ordered a military officer to run a "juk errand," providing special favors to Kim’s son.
According to the report, Kim’s son was suffering from enteritis during his military service, and the "juk errand" to buy juk from a specialized store outside the unit was made at least twice. KBS also reported that there was evidence that the Ministry of National Defense’s parliamentary cooperation officer contacted unit officials at the time.
There were also allegations that despite Kim’s son’s position being changed during his service, he did not move to a different barracks, and that orders were given to punish fellow soldiers who raised concerns about following the rules in this regard.
Regarding the allegations of errands, position changes, and barracks special treatment, Kim denied involvement, stating, "I was not involved at all."
On the 22nd, Kim posted on his Facebook, "After my second son was hospitalized due to severe enteritis with diarrhea and dehydration symptoms and returned to the barracks, Sergeant Kim, the administrative squad leader, kindly gave him juk saying, ‘You’re very sick, right? Eat this.’"
He added, "My second son said he received it once and identified the person who delivered it," and said, "Since KBS reported that the son designated juk at least twice and an officer delivered it, revealing the other deliverer will clarify the truth."
Regarding the barracks special treatment allegations, he claimed, "My second son volunteered for the relatively more difficult day-night shift duty rather than regular duty and moved to the barracks on the designated day according to orders."
Additionally, on the morning of the 23rd, Kim shared on his Facebook three screenshots, saying, "There are posts from soldiers who served with my son, so I am sharing them."
He said, "The heart of a parent who sends their child to the military is simply to have them return healthy without pain," and added, "I sincerely apologize to those who are criticized for buying juk once out of concern for my sick son. I am truly grateful for the care shown with a heart of love for subordinates without turning away."
The photos Kim posted included posts presumed to be from soldiers who served with Kim’s son. One soldier said, "I am a soldier who lived in the same barracks with Private Kim. On the weekend, the duty officer suddenly came, threw a bowl of juk, and just left."
Regarding the barracks special treatment allegations, it was claimed, "Even when the platoon changed at the time, it was not uncommon to stay in the barracks previously used, and Sergeant Kim (Kim’s son) politely asked for understanding in front of all the barracks members and lived together after everyone agreed."
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