Allegations of Assistance During Kim Bong-hyun's Escape in 2020
Former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun leaving his home in Gaepo-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the day of his escape. Photo by Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] As it has been 12 days since Kim Bong-hyun, the former chairman of Star Mobility and a key figure in the Lime Asset Management scandal, went missing, several people close to Kim have been arrested one after another.
The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office filed arrest warrants on the 19th and 20th for two acquaintances of Kim on charges of aiding a fugitive, and the court issued the arrest warrants on the 20th and 21st, respectively.
The first person arrested, Mr. A, is suspected to be a representative of an entertainment agency who helped Kim during his escape two years ago. It is known that Mr. A booked accommodation for Kim, who was under investigation in 2020, and provided him with a burner phone in 2021. The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office conducted a search and seizure of Mr. A's residence on the 17th.
Mr. B, arrested on the 19th, is known to be the boyfriend of Kim's elder sister. Prosecutors believe both individuals helped Kim during his escape by maintaining contact before and after his flight.
The prosecution is focusing on the possibility that Kim Bong-hyun is still in the country and is conducting searches accordingly.
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