After 10 Months of Investigation, Both Byung-Ki Kim and Complainant Submit Statements Urging Prompt Conclusion

Kim's Side: "Speculative Reports... Case Should Not Be Referred for Prosecution"
Complainant Also Cites "Suffering Due to Investigation Delays"

As the police investigation into the 13 allegations surrounding independent lawmaker Byung-Ki Kim enters its tenth month, both Kim's side and the complainant have submitted statements to the police urging a prompt conclusion to the case.

Independent lawmaker Byunggi Kim, who is under investigation for 13 allegations including election donation bribery, is appearing on February 26 at the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Mapo District for questioning. 2026.02.26 Photo by Dongju Yoon

According to the police on July 18, the lawyer representing lawmaker Kim submitted a statement to the Public Crime Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency earlier this month. The statement requested a decision not to refer the case for prosecution, arguing that Kim's reputation is being damaged by speculative media reports as the investigation drags on.

The former aide, identified as Mr. A, who filed the complaint against lawmaker Kim, also submitted a statement in May. Mr. A stated that he is suffering due to difficulties in his livelihood caused by delays in the investigation and asked for a swift and strict determination regarding the charges against Kim and others.

The police are currently investigating suspicions related to nomination bribery, Kim's alleged intervention in his second son's transfer to Soongsil University, lobbying on behalf of a former aide for personnel benefits at Coupang, and possible preferential treatment for his eldest son in the National Intelligence Service hiring process.

At a regular press briefing on July 6, Hong Seokki, Chief of the National Investigation Headquarters at the National Police Agency, stated, "There are 13 cases related to lawmaker Kim. We are now finishing up the remaining points that needed to be checked, and it looks like we are in a position to make an overall judgement on the entire case."

There is growing speculation that the investigation is entering its final stages, as the police have recently questioned officials from the virtual asset exchange Bithumb in connection with allegations of employment solicitation involving Kim's second son.

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