Kim Woong: "Why Aren't Police Requesting an Arrest Warrant for Kim Kyung or Conducting a Search and Seizure on Kim Byunggi?"

"Kim Kyung Meets All Three Requirements for Arrest Investigation"
Corruption Investigation Office's 'Royal Treatment' for Lee Sungyun, Police 'Protecting Kim Kyung'

Kim Woong, former member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, pointed out on January 13 that Kim Kyung, Seoul City Councilor and key suspect in the "nomination bribery" allegations, meets all the requirements for "arrest investigation." He criticized the police for not promptly securing Kim's custody, stating, "In 2026, the police are moving to protect Kim Kyung."

Kim also referenced a statement made by Park Jeongbo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, during a regular press briefing the previous day. Park expressed frustration over accusations of a "delayed investigation," claiming, "In fact, the investigation proceeded rather quickly." Kim urged the police to explain why a search and seizure had not been conducted against Kim Byunggi, former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Kim Woong, former member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In a Facebook post that afternoon, Kim wrote, "Usually, the following requirements are necessary for an arrest investigation:" and listed three criteria: ① substantial grounds to suspect a crime has been committed, ② concerns about an unclear residence, risk of flight, or destruction of evidence, and ③ seriousness of the crime, risk of repeat offense, and need to protect the victim.

Kim stated, "Requirement ① is absolutely necessary, but usually, if one or two of the others are met, an arrest investigation is conducted. In Kim Kyung's case, all requirements have been met. It's not a triple crown, but a quadruple crown."

He continued, "① The suspect confessed to the crime, and there is corroborating evidence in the form of a recorded conversation with Kang Sunwoo. ② Kim fled overseas, deleted Telegram, and reset his PC, thereby destroying evidence. ③ The 100 million won nomination bribery case is an extremely serious crime. It is so severe that Kang Sunwoo pleaded for leniency." He added, "Yet Kim Kyung entered the country through the airport without any restrictions. Moreover, he appeared before the police with an escort and was released after only three and a half hours of questioning."

Kim went on, "Anyone who has experienced an investigation would know that a three-and-a-half-hour session (excluding the time spent reviewing the written statement) is just enough to ask for personal details and career history, and that's it. Not long ago, Assemblyman Chu Kyungho was questioned for 23 hours."

He further questioned, "I am beyond curious-it's appalling-what kind of backing does Kim Kyung have? If the police do not conduct a compulsory investigation against Kim Kyung, then who will they ever investigate? Lee Jinsook, who criticized the Democratic Party on YouTube?" thus expressing doubts about the police investigation.

On the 12th, Kim Byunggi, former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended the Ethics Committee meeting held at the central party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

He added, "The Seoul police chief insists this is not a lenient investigation and that the search and seizure, which took place 13 days after the recording was released, was actually fast. He also claims the delay in the travel ban was due to the need to go through the prosecution and the Ministry of Justice, and that this was beyond their control." Kim then demanded, "If that's the case, explain why a search and seizure has not been conducted against Kim Byunggi."

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit conducted a broad search and seizure on the afternoon of January 11-13 days after the "nomination bribery" allegations surfaced with the release of the recorded file between former floor leader Kim Byunggi and independent lawmaker (formerly of the Democratic Party) Kang Sunwoo. They searched the offices and residences of Kang, her former secretary general, and Kim Kyung. However, the fact that no search and seizure was carried out against former floor leader Kim Byunggi has sparked controversy.

Kim demanded that the police, who maintain that their investigation was neither delayed nor lenient, clarify three points.

First, he said, "The police claim the travel ban was delayed because of the prosecution and the Ministry of Justice. Then, disclose how long it took to apply for a travel ban for Kang Sunwoo and to process it through the prosecution and the Ministry of Justice."

He continued, "The police deny aiding Kim Kyung's escape. Then, disclose the date Kim Kyung purchased his plane ticket to the United States."

Finally, he said, "The police claim they immediately requested notification upon Kim Kyung's entry into the country after the case was assigned. Then, disclose the date on which this notification request was made."

Kim Kyung, Seoul City Councilor, arriving through Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

At the end of his post, Kim stated, "If you cannot answer these questions, then it means the police are indeed protecting Kim Kyung. Just as the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials gave Lee Sungyun royal treatment, in 2026, the police are moving to protect Kim Kyung."

On the afternoon of January 11, Kim Kyung returned from the United States. Immediately upon arrival, he was accompanied by his lawyer to observe the police search of his residence. He then voluntarily appeared before the police, was questioned for about three hours and thirty minutes, and was released to return home.