Denies All Allegations Again in Second Round of Questioning
Kim Younghwan, governor of Chungbuk Province, who was summoned again by the police on charges of receiving envelopes of cash from local sports figures, engaged in a war of words with the police outside the official investigation.
Kim Younghwan, governor of Chungbuk Province, who is suspected of receiving money from local sports officials, is stating his position in the lobby of Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency immediately after his second summons on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 21st, Governor Kim appeared at the Chungbuk Police Agency as a suspect at around 9:13 a.m. and was questioned for about five hours. Exiting the building at around 2:10 p.m., Kim stated, "I have not done anything to cause concern or shame to the residents of the province," and, as in the first investigation, completely denied all allegations.
He said, "The police have been investigating me for five months, but even in this investigation, they failed to present a single piece of direct evidence or testimony," adding, "Despite six searches and seizures and eleven summonses of related parties, there has been no audio file proving that I received money."
Regarding the allegation that he had 20 million won of interior renovation costs for his mountain cabin in Goesan paid by Volleyball Association President Yoon Dooyoung, Kim countered, "My wife transferred 5 million won and 3 million won respectively to the renovation contractor. I have provided these records to the police, and I can also disclose them to the press." He continued, "This investigation is rife with issues we must consider, including illegal evidence, coercive investigations, parallel investigations, and fishing expeditions."
The police, who had previously refrained from making statements, also responded to the press. A member of the investigative team, meeting with reporters after Kim's departure, stated, "We are conducting a strict investigation in accordance with the law and principles, regardless of the subject's position or affiliation."
This official explained, "The summoning of related parties was carried out according to procedure, and the claim that there were more than ten summonses is not true. The assertion that the searches and seizures were illegal has also been dismissed by the court." He added, "We will conclude the case as soon as possible based on the statements and evidence secured so far. Whether or not to request a detention warrant is under review, and a comprehensive decision will be made in due course."
Governor Kim is suspected of receiving a total of 11 million won in cash on two occasions from three sports figures, including Yoon Hyunwoo, President of the Chungbuk Sports Council, and Yoon Dooyoung, President of the Chungbuk Volleyball Association, under the pretext of travel expenses ahead of overseas business trips in April and June.
Kim is also suspected of having 20 million won in interior renovation costs for his mountain cabin in Goesan paid by President Yoon. The police suspect that Kim may have used his influence to allow President Yoon's food company to participate in Chungbuk Province's smart farm project in exchange for money, or otherwise provided related favors.
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