Kim Byung-ki, a member of the National Assembly, reappeared before the police for the eighth suspect interrogation after approximately six months. On October 31, 2026, during his appearance, he characterized the allegations against him as "accusations riddled with malice and falsehoods" and stated a firm position, vowing to "prove his innocence" 1. This investigation took place 50 days after a warrant for his arrest was previously rejected (dismissed), and it is seen as a key milestone in the long-running probe 12.
Re-summoned after six months: supplemental investigation following the rejection of the arrest warrant
Kim Byung-ki, a member of the National Assembly, appeared at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on October 31, 2026, in the capacity of a suspect 12. This marks his reappearance approximately six months after the first summons for interrogation, which took place from February 26 to 27, 2026 34. In particular, this investigation has drawn attention because it was conducted 50 days after the rejection (dismissal) of the arrest warrant for the lawmaker 12.
Even after the police failed to secure detention of the lawmaker, they did not stop the investigation. The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has conducted supplemental investigations since the rejection of the arrest warrant, and the probe has been prolonged and intensive, to the extent that the lawmaker underwent an eighth interrogation 13546. The lawmaker's side views this lengthy investigation as a matter that should be concluded as soon as possible from his perspective.
Claims of "swift conclusion of investigation" and "proving innocence"
Before his appearance, Kim Byung-ki met with reporters and defined this case as a "malicious accusation," denying all charges. He claimed that the accusations were "riddled with malice and falsehoods" and demanded that the police "swiftly conclude the investigation" 12. He also showed a firm resolve, stating, "I will prove my innocence," and strongly asserted his innocence 12.
These claims are interpreted as the lawmaker's intention to clarify the facts as the investigation progresses. He emphasized that he had already sufficiently explained the necessary parts during the investigations and hopes that the inquiry will be based on evidence and statements aimed at proving his innocence 78.
13 allegations surrounding Kim Byung-ki and key issues in the investigation
The police are intensively investigating a total of 13 allegations against lawmaker Kim Byung-ki 13954. These allegations are broadly divided into issues related to political funds, such as nomination kickbacks, and family-related misconduct, including requests to suppress investigations.
| Category | Main Charges | Relevant Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Political funds | Receipt of nomination kickbacks: Violation of the Political Funds Act | Allegedly received 30 million won in cash from two Dongjak District Council members in 2020 410 |
| Condoning nomination kickbacks: Act on Prevention of Conflict of Interest for Public Officials, etc. | Allegedly condoned the receipt of nomination kickbacks (100 million won) by lawmaker Kang Sun-woo while serving as secretary of the nomination management committee in 2022 410 | |
| Family-related | Privileges and solicitations for his second son: Obstruction of official duties, etc. | Allegedly involved in his second son's preferential transfer to Soongsil University and solicitation for his employment at a virtual asset exchange (Bithumb) 410 |
| Spouse's misconduct and solicitations: Misuse of business promotion funds and destruction of evidence | Allegedly solicited the suppression of the investigation into his spouse's misuse of a corporate card (business promotion expenses) and instructed the destruction of evidence 410 | |
| Others | Receipt of hospitality: Violation of the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation Act | Suspected of receiving hospitality, such as hotel vouchers, from Korean Air, among others 4 |
| Solicitation to suppress investigations: Abuse of power, etc. | Suspected of soliciting the suppression of the Seoul Dongjak Police Station investigation concerning his spouse and additional indictments related to a People Power Party lawmaker 54 |
In the course of investigating the 13 allegations against the lawmaker, the police conducted prior investigations and searches of his wife, his second son, and vice-chairperson of the Dongjak District Council, Lee Ji-hee, who is identified as his closest confidante 4. In this eighth interrogation, it appears the focus was on reconfirming these facts based on the previously seized materials and statements obtained, and securing specific statements from the lawmaker 84.
Political background and investigation as an independent member
Lawmaker Kim Byung-ki has been undergoing this investigation as an independent member. After stepping down as the floor leader of the Democratic Party in 2024, he left the party and is now independent 34. He has been subject to a long investigation after leaving his influential position as floor leader, which could serve as a significant variable in his political situation 8.
The fact that this investigation has been ongoing for over a year is also notable 1. The investigation appears to have been prolonged due to the involvement of the lawmaker's close associates and family members in many issues and the complexity of the cases. The lawmaker's side will focus on proving his innocence in this appearance, while the police plan to gather statements and evidence for a final decision ahead of the investigation deadline through this interrogation 7184.
Future procedures and the final phase of the investigation
The police's eighth interrogation is an important stage that could influence the decision on whether to indict or refer lawmaker Kim Byung-ki to the prosecution 8. The investigating authorities will meticulously compare and analyze the lawmaker's statements, submitted evidence, and previously secured materials to establish the facts 78. Since the lawmaker requested "swift conclusion of the investigation," how quickly the police conclude the investigation will be the key 78.
Ultimately, the legal fate of lawmaker Kim Byung-ki may vary depending on the results of this investigation. Once the police investigation is finally concluded, the case will either be referred to the prosecution or the investigation results will be announced, and it will be decided in subsequent legal procedures whether his claim of "malicious accusation" is accepted or whether some of the allegations are confirmed as factual.
参考资料
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