Police Question Former Aide as Witness over Alleged Misuse of Business Promotion Expenses by Kim Byunggi’s Wife

One Day Before Kim Byunggi Is Summoned for Questioning

The police, who are investigating allegations that the wife of independent lawmaker Kim Byunggi privately used a corporate card for business promotion expenses, have summoned Kim’s former aide as a witness.

Kim Byeonggi, independent lawmaker. Kim Hyunmin, reporter.

The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that on the 25th it summoned and questioned, as a witness, Mr. A, a former aide to Kim, in connection with allegations including violations of the Political Funds Act by Kim’s wife, Ms. Lee Yeda.

According to the police, Lee is suspected of having privately used business promotion expenses of the Dongjak District Council, including paying for meals with the corporate card of Mr. Cho, who was then the vice chair of the Dongjak District Council, between July and September 2022.

On the morning of the 19th of last month, the police conducted searches and seizures at three locations: the Dongjak District Council, and Cho’s office and residence.

The police will summon Kim on February 26 and 27 for two consecutive days as a suspect on bribery charges. At that time, they are expected to focus their questioning on matters in which the investigation has progressed, including the allegations that his wife misused the Dongjak District Council corporate card.

In addition, on the 25th the police summoned and are questioning Kim’s second son as a suspect on charges of obstruction of business in connection with allegations of preferential hiring at Bithumb. The day before, they carried out a search and seizure at Bithumb’s headquarters and secured documents related to recruitment.