Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-ki questioned again in bribery probe
Seoul police questioned independent lawmaker Kim Byung-ki on October 31 over 13 allegations, including bribery and obstruction of work.
It was his eighth questioning and came six months after his previous session in April.
Kim called the accusations malicious and false and said he would provide evidence to show he was not guilty.
He also denied trying to contact a key witness, while saying witnesses had distorted evidence.
Police had sought an arrest warrant, but the prosecution office returned the request in September, saying there was not enough justification to seek detention and asking for more investigation.
Police later questioned witnesses and gathered further evidence, including in a bribery allegation involving pay for Kim’s second son.
The investigation’s review panel set October 31 as the deadline for police to handle the case quickly, and police are expected to begin concluding their investigation after questioning Kim.
South Korean police questioned independent lawmaker Kim Byung-ki on Oct. 31 for the eighth time in an investigation into bribery and other allegations.
Kim denied wrongdoing and said he would submit evidence to show he was not guilty.
He rejected claims that he tried to influence a key witness, saying witnesses had distorted evidence.
Police had sought an arrest warrant in September, but prosecutors returned the request and called for further investigation.
The police investigation review committee’s deadline for handling the case was Oct. 31, and police were expected to decide what to do next.
- Who
- Independent lawmaker Kim Byung-ki and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s public crimes investigation unit.
- What
- Police questioned Kim as a suspect about 13 allegations, including bribery and possible witness interference.
- When
- Oct. 31, 2026; it was his eighth questioning and his first in about six months.
- Where
- The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Mapo office in Seoul.
- Why
- Police are investigating allegations including bribery linked to Kim’s second son’s employment and campaign nomination money, as well as possible interference with a witness.
Kim Byung-ki
Police investigators
Witness interference
Kim Byung-ki
Kim said witnesses had distorted evidence and denied calling a key witness.
Police investigators
Police were examining call records and other material for signs of witness contact or efforts to influence testimony.
Case allegations
Kim Byung-ki
Kim called the complaint malicious and false and said he would prove he was not guilty.
Police investigators
Police questioned him about 13 allegations, including bribery and possible evidence destruction.
The police investigation review committee instructed investigators to handle the case promptly, within one month.
Police applied for an arrest warrant for Kim on bribery and other charges.
Prosecutors returned the warrant request without seeking one from a court, citing insufficient grounds to show detention was necessary, and requested further investigation.
Police questioned Kim for the eighth time, on the final day of the committee’s case-handling deadline.
- Questioning
- Eighth session, on Oct. 31, 2026
- Location
- Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Mapo office
- Allegations
- 13 issues under investigation
- Warrant request
- Applied for by police on Sept. 7
- Witness contact
- Police had records of three attempted Telegram calls to a key witness
3 sources
What people are saying
I will faithfully explain myself and prove that I am not guilty.
It is a complaint plainly filled with malice and lies.
I think the witnesses, rather, distorted the evidence.