The police have launched a full-scale investigation into allegations that the second son of Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byunggi received preferential treatment in his transfer admission to Soongsil University.
Former Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byunggi, who is facing various allegations including bribery related to nomination funds, is appearing before the Democratic Party Ethics Committee at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on January 12, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
According to the police on January 15, the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency summoned Soongsil University staff members as witnesses for questioning last week. According to testimony from Kim's former aides, who exposed the case, Assemblyman Kim visited Soongsil University at the end of 2021, introduced by his close associate Lee Jihee, a member of the Dongjak District Council, and mentioned the possibility of a transfer to the then-president of the university.
The police reportedly questioned the Soongsil University staff about the process by which Kim's second son was admitted as a transfer student. They also re-summoned a former aide, identified as Mr. A, to obtain additional testimony regarding allegations that Assemblyman Kim interfered with Soongsil University's admissions process.
During a search and seizure operation conducted the previous day at six locations, including Assemblyman Kim's residence, the police discovered materials labeled "Soongsil University Admissions Consulting" on the office computer of Councilor Lee. However, it is reported that the police were unable to secure these materials because the warrant only specified charges related to "violation of the Political Funds Act" concerning nomination fund bribery.
Meanwhile, on the same day, the police also summoned Park, the former head of the Intellectual Crime Investigation Team at Dongjak Police Station, as a suspect for about nine hours over allegations of "covering up the investigation" related to Assemblyman Kim. Park is under investigation for abuse of authority and violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.
After the questioning, Park left the scene without answering reporters' questions about why he had cleared the charges, whether he had delivered investigation documents to Assemblyman Kim, or whether he had dined with Kim's associates in Gangnam. However, when asked if he had intentionally failed to report a petition containing allegations of nomination fund bribery to higher authorities, he replied, "The petition was not related to a case I was handling."
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