Police Conduct Second Summons of Kim Byungki's Second Son Over 'Transfer and Employment Favoritism' Allegations

Allegations of Involvement in Soongsil University Transfer and Bithumb Employment
Second Summons in Five Days, Investigation Concludes After Seven Hours

The police investigating various allegations surrounding independent lawmaker Kim Byungki have summoned his second son once again.

The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency questioned Kim's second son as a suspect on charges of obstruction of business for seven hours, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 2. This marks the second summons in five days; previously, Kim's second son, Mr. Kim, appeared before the police on February 25 and was questioned for 13 hours. After summoning Assemblyman Kim for questioning on both February 26 and 27, the police appear to have called Mr. Kim back to verify the facts of the case.

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency building, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

During the first summons, the police reportedly questioned Kim's second son about whether he received preferential treatment during his transfer to Soongsil University and in the process of being employed at Bithumb. The second son's attorney stated, "There was a large volume of questions during the first appearance, so the investigation was not completed," adding, "The police have requested several documents, which we plan to submit."

The police are investigating allegations that Assemblyman Kim intervened in his son's transfer to Soongsil University and lobbied for his employment at the virtual asset exchange Bithumb. According to a written statement submitted to the police by Kim's former aides, while searching for ways for Mr. Kim to transfer universities, Lee Jihee, a member of the Dongjak-gu Council, said that "Soongsil University's contract department allows transfers without a TOEIC score," and Assemblyman Kim visited Soongsil University at the end of 2021. The statement further alleges that, in order to meet transfer requirements, the council member and aides arranged for the second son to be hired at a mid-sized company through irregular means.

According to this statement, Assemblyman Kim also showed interest in coin-related companies, such as Bithumb, in connection with his son's employment, and reportedly attempted to request employment at both Bithumb and Dunamu between September and November 2024.

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