It has been confirmed that the police have recently reinforced the investigation team looking into allegations of misconduct involving independent lawmakers Kim Byunggi and Kang Sunwoo.
On January 14, 2026, police investigators entered the office of Congressman Kim Byunggi of the Democratic Party of Korea, located in the National Assembly Members' Office Building, as they began a search and seizure of his residence and other locations amid various allegations of misconduct, including receiving nomination bribes. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
On January 19, the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that it established a new “Investigation Support Division” on January 16 to assist with major cases, assigning a total of 10 personnel to the team.
In addition to the three members who had been part of the existing public support team, seven new members have joined: one division chief, two investigation support officers, and four legal support officers. All members of the legal support team are licensed attorneys. The additional personnel have been seconded from major investigative departments, including the Criminal Task Force (2 members), the Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (2 members), and the Financial Crime Investigation Unit (3 members).
This reinforcement of the investigation team is interpreted as a move to concentrate investigative resources, given the seriousness of the misconduct allegations involving Assemblyman Kim and Assemblywoman Kang.
The police have received a total of 29 complaints related to various allegations against Assemblyman Kim, which have been consolidated into 13 cases currently under investigation.
The investigation into Assemblywoman Kang, who is suspected of receiving and returning 100 million won in nomination bribes, is also ongoing. The police are investigating eight individuals, including Seoul City Councilman Kim Kyung.
On January 20, the police will summon Assemblywoman Kang for questioning as a suspect on charges including violations of the Political Funds Act.
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