Kim Byungki Facing 'Nomination Bribery Allegations'... Police to Summon Him Once Preparations Are Complete

Kang Sunwoo Case Also Under Investigation
"Seized Evidence Being Analyzed"

The police have announced their intention to soon summon Assemblyman Kim Byungki, who left the Democratic Party of Korea while under investigation for 13 charges, including allegations of receiving illegal election funds.

At a regular press briefing on the 26th, Park Jeongbo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated, "The police can only request an appearance once the investigation preparations are complete, but due to the large number of charges, it is difficult to investigate everything at once. We plan to summon him as soon as we are ready." He further explained, "We are investigating 13 different allegations. Almost all necessary search and seizure operations have been conducted, and the required materials have been secured through voluntary submission and other means. The investigation is proceeding according to procedure and the police's plan."

Former Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byunggi, who is suspected of various corrupt practices including receiving nomination bribes, is attending the Democratic Party Ethics Committee held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 12th.

Assemblyman Kim Byungki is suspected of receiving a total of 30 million won in nomination bribes from two Dongjak District Council members through his aide, Lee Jihee, Vice Chairperson of the Dongjak District Council, and his spouse, ahead of the 2020 general election, and later returning the funds.

Commissioner Park Jeongbo also reiterated that a travel ban has been imposed on Assemblyman Kim Byungki and his spouse. Previously, on the 14th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Public Crime Investigation Unit imposed a travel ban on five individuals: Assemblyman Kim and his spouse, Lee Jihee, Vice Chairperson of the Dongjak District Council, and two former Dongjak District Council members, Jeon Mo and Kim Mo, who are suspected of delivering illegal election funds to Kim’s camp.

Similarly, the police explained that a strict investigation is underway into Kang Sunwoo, an independent assemblyman suspected of receiving approximately 100 million won in nomination bribes, as well as Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung and others. Commissioner Park stated, "We have secured the necessary materials through various search and seizure operations and are currently analyzing them. The investigation is being conducted strictly in accordance with procedure."

Assemblyman Kang is suspected of receiving 100 million won from City Council member Kim Kyung in exchange for a nomination, but conflicting statements from the donor, Council member Kim, and Kang’s former aide, Nam Mo, have led to a dispute over the truth. The police stated that while they cannot confirm specific details of the investigation, they are proceeding with the investigation with these issues in mind.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.