Lawmaker Kim Byung-ki returned to the police for his eighth suspect interrogation for the first time in approximately six months. On October 31, 2026, upon his arrival, he characterized the allegations against him as an "accusation riddled with malice and falsehood" and took a firm stance, stating, "I will prove my innocence" 1. This interrogation came 50 days after his previously requested arrest warrant was rejected (dismissed) and is seen as a key turning point in the long-running investigation 12.
Re-summoning After Six Months, Supplementary Investigation Following Arrest Warrant Rejection
Lawmaker Kim Byung-ki appeared at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency as a suspect on October 31, 2026 12. This marks his first return to the police in approximately six months since his first summons and interrogation conducted from February 26 to 27, 2026 34. This interrogation is particularly noteworthy as it was conducted 50 days after Kim’s arrest warrant was rejected (dismissed) 12.
Even after the attempt to secure Kim’s custody failed, the police did not halt their investigation. The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has been conducting a supplementary investigation since the arrest warrant was rejected, leading to a long and intensive probe, as evidenced by Kim undergoing an eighth interrogation 13546. From Kim’s perspective, his legal team views this prolonged investigation as a matter that should be concluded as quickly as possible.
Claims of "Conclusion of Investigation" and "Proving Innocence"
Before his appearance, Lawmaker Kim Byung-ki met with reporters and defined the case as a "malicious accusation," denying all charges. He claimed that the allegations were "riddled with malice and falsehood" and demanded that the police "conclude the investigation swiftly" 12. He also demonstrated a resolute will to "prove his innocence," strongly asserting his innocence 12.
These claims are interpreted as Kim’s intent to clarify the facts as the investigation progresses. He emphasized that he had already sufficiently clarified the necessary portions during the interrogation process and hopes that the investigation will proceed based on evidence and testimony to prove his innocence 78.
13 Allegations Surrounding Lawmaker Kim Byung-ki and Investigative Issues
The total number of allegations currently under intensive investigation by the police against Lawmaker Kim Byung-ki amounts to 13 13954. These allegations are broadly categorized into issues related to political funds, such as nomination fees, and misconduct related to family members along with requests to suppress investigations.
| Category | Main Allegation Content | Related Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Political Funds | Receipt of Nomination Fees: Violation of the Political Funds Act | Suspected of receiving 30 million won in cash from two Dongjak District Council members in 2020 410 |
| Toleration of Nomination Fees: Act on Prevention of Conflicts of Interest for Public Officials, etc. | Suspected of tolerating Representative Kang Sun-woo’s receipt of nomination fees (100 million won) while serving as the spokesperson of the Nomination Management Committee in 2022 410 | |
| Family-Related | Second Son’s Preferential Treatment and Solicitation: Obstruction of Justice, etc. | Suspected of involvement in the second son’s preferential transfer to Soongsil University and job solicitation at a cryptocurrency exchange (Bithumb) 410 |
| Spouse’s Misconduct and Solicitation: Misappropriation of Business Promotion Expenses and Destruction of Evidence | Suspected of soliciting the suppression of an investigation into the spouse’s misappropriation of corporate card (business promotion expenses) and instigating the destruction of evidence 410 | |
| Others | Receipt of Hospitality: Violation of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Act (Improper Solicitation and Graft Act) | Suspected of receiving hospitality, such as hotel accommodation vouchers, from Korean Air and other entities 4 |
| Request to Suppress Investigation: Abuse of Authority, etc. | Suspected of requesting the suppression of a Dongjak Police Station investigation into his spouse, along with additional accusations against People Power Party lawmakers 54 |
During the investigation into the 13 allegations, the police conducted prior interrogations and searches and seizures targeting Kim’s wife, second son, and Vice Chairman of the Dongjak District Council, Lee Ji-hee, who is identified as his closest confidant 4. The eighth interrogation likely focused on re-confirming these facts based on evidence and testimony secured so far and obtaining Kim’s specific testimony 84.
Political Background and Investigation as an Independent Lawmaker
Lawmaker Kim Byung-ki has been undergoing this investigation as an independent lawmaker. He withdrew from his position as the Democratic Party’s floor leader in 2024 and subsequently left the party, remaining independent 34. Having left his influential position as floor leader, he has been subjected to a long-term investigation, which could act as a significant variable in his political landscape 8.
The fact that this investigation has been ongoing for over a year is also telling 1. The prolonged investigation appears to stem from the involvement of many of Kim’s associates and family members, as well as the complexity of the issues involved. Kim’s legal team plans to focus on proving his innocence during this appearance, while the police intend to gather testimony and evidence for a final decision ahead of the investigation deadline 7184.
Future Procedures and the Final Phase of the Investigation
This eighth interrogation by the police is a significant stage that may influence the decision to indict Lawmaker Kim Byung-ki or refer the case to the prosecutors 8. The investigating authorities will carefully compare and analyze Kim’s testimony, submitted evidence, and previously secured materials to establish the facts 78. Since Kim requested that the investigation be "concluded quickly," how swiftly the police end the investigation will be the key factor 78.
Consequently, Lawmaker Kim Byung-ki’s legal fate may be determined by the outcome of this investigation. Once the police investigation is finally concluded, the case will either be referred to the prosecutors or the results will be announced. Whether Kim’s claim of a "malicious accusation" is upheld or if some of the allegations are confirmed as fact will be decided in subsequent legal proceedings.
References
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