Police Impose Travel Ban on Byunggi Kim and Four Others Over Alleged Nomination Bribes

The police investigating allegations of election bribes involving Byunggi Kim, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, have imposed an overseas travel ban on Congressman Kim and his spouse.

On the 14th, police began a search and seizure of the residence and other locations related to Kim Byung-ki, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is embroiled in various allegations including receiving nomination bribes. Police investigators are entering Kim's office in the National Assembly Members' Office Building. 2026.1.14 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

According to the police and other sources, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Public Crime Investigation Unit decided on January 14 to ban five individuals, including Congressman Kim and his spouse, Ms. Lee, from leaving the country.

The list also includes Lee Jihee, Vice Chairperson of the Dongjak District Council, known to be a close associate of Congressman Kim, as well as two former Dongjak District Council members who submitted petitions stating they had delivered money to Congressman Kim.

Congressman Kim is suspected of having received 10 million won and 20 million won, respectively, from the two former Dongjak District Council members ahead of the 2020 general election, and then returning the money afterward. At the time, Vice Chairperson Lee is alleged to have been involved in facilitating the delivery.

Congressman Kim’s side has strongly denied the allegations, claiming they are “groundless slander raised ahead of the general election.”

Meanwhile, in connection with this case, the police conducted search and seizure operations at six locations on the same day, including Congressman Kim’s residence, his local constituency office, his office in the National Assembly Members’ Office Building, Vice Chairperson Lee’s residence, the Dongjak District Council, and the residence of Congressman Kim’s second son, securing relevant materials.