Police Summon Kim Byunggi for Second Consecutive Day Over 13 Allegations Including Nomination Bribery

Suspected of Bribery and Other Charges

Questioned as a Criminal Suspect

The police have summoned Kim Byunggi, an independent lawmaker facing 13 allegations including bribery related to party nominations, for questioning for two consecutive days.

Independent lawmaker Byunggi Kim, who is under investigation for 13 allegations including bribery related to candidate nominations, is appearing at the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Mapo District on the 26th for questioning. Photo by Dongju Yoon

The Public Crime Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency began questioning Assemblyman Kim as a suspect on charges including bribery and abuse of power from 10 a.m. on February 27, 2026. This marks his return for questioning just 10 hours and 30 minutes after he was released following over 14 hours of interrogation the previous day.

Upon arriving at the Mapo General Government Complex of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Kim stated, "I will faithfully undergo the investigation," and added, "If possible, I may arrange a separate meeting after the investigation is over." He did not respond when asked what specific issues he intended to clarify.

Assemblyman Kim became embroiled in controversy over political donations after a petition revealed that in 2020, he had received 30 million won in cash from two former Dongjak-gu council members and returned the money several months later. In addition, there are a total of 13 allegations, including suspicions that he intervened in his second son's transfer to Soongsil University, solicited employment at Bithumb, his wife allegedly misused a corporate credit card belonging to Ms. Cho, then vice chairperson of the Dongjak-gu Council, for personal purposes, and that he overlooked the receipt of nomination-related donations by Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo.

On February 25, 2026, the police summoned Kim's second son as a suspect on charges of obstruction of business. On January 19, 2026, they also conducted a search and seizure at Dongjak-gu Council and related locations.

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