Police Launch Investigation into Alleged Preferential Transfer Admissions for Kim Byunggi's Child of the Democratic Party

Analyzing the Source of Lee Choonseok's Funds
Kang Sunwoo Summoned for Questioning on August 28
Summons for Lee Junseok Not Yet Decided

On September 15, the police announced that they had launched an investigation into allegations of preferential transfer admissions involving the second son of Kim Byunggi, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, at Soongsil University.

Kim Byunggi, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the government-party consultation on comprehensive labor safety measures for preventing major industrial accidents held by the Industrial Accident Prevention Task Force at the National Assembly on the 15th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

During a regular press briefing that day, a representative from the National Police Agency stated, "A complaint was filed with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on September 11 and was assigned to the Dongjak Police Station," adding, "We will proceed with the investigation in accordance with procedures."

The police also commented on the case of independent lawmaker Lee Choonseok, who allegedly purchased stocks worth over 1 billion KRW under a borrowed name, saying, "We are currently analyzing the source of the funds." The Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed that over approximately three years, Lee purchased stocks worth several billion KRW using an account under the name of an aide surnamed Cha. The police believe this amount far exceeds Lee's known income and assets. During the police investigation, Lee reportedly stated that the funds were his personal assets, raised through proceeds from a book publication event and monetary gifts received for family occasions.

Regarding the investigation into Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sunwoo for alleged violations of the Resident Registration Act, the Public Official Election Act, incitement and aiding under the Criminal Act, obstruction of business, perjury, and abuse of authority, the police said, "We summoned Assemblywoman Kang for questioning on August 28 and are currently securing and analyzing the necessary materials as part of the ongoing procedures."

On the allegations involving Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform Party, regarding sexually inappropriate remarks during a presidential TV debate and suspicions of proxy payment for opinion poll expenses, the police stated, "We are interviewing those involved and analyzing relevant materials," and added, "We have not yet decided whether to summon Assemblyman Lee."

Concerning the complaint against Choi Kangwook, former head of the Democratic Party Education and Training Institute, for alleged violations of the Sexual Violence Prevention Act and other charges, the police said, "We received the complaint on September 8, assigned it to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and plan to proceed with questioning the complainant and conducting the investigation."