▲ Kim Seung-won, nominee for Minister of Justice, leaves the National Assembly Communication Hall after holding a resignation press conference on the 19th.
Police have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Democratic Party Representative Kim Seung-won, who recently stepped down as the nominee for Minister of Justice.
During a regular press briefing today (the 28th), National Office of Investigation Chief Hong Seok-ki responded to a question regarding the investigation status into Rep. Kim by stating, "A complaint was filed on September 22, and it is currently under investigation by the Women and Youth Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency."
Previously, the civic group Citizens' Coalition for Livelihood Measures submitted a complaint to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency charging Rep. Kim with forcible indecency. This followed remarks by Seoul Police Chief Go Beom-seok suggesting that an investigation could take place if a complaint regarding the allegations were filed.
In the complaint, the civic group stated, "A petition submitted by a former aide to Representative Kim Seung-won contains claims that during a drinking gathering attended by Rep. Kim in June 2024, an attendee protested after alleging sexual harassment," and urged, "Please uncover the criminal facts through a prompt and thorough investigation."
Regarding the investigation of cases handed over following the conclusion of the second special counsel team led by Kwon Chang-young, Chief Hong explained, "We received 46 cases. We are carefully examining their identity and characteristics in relation to previously investigated cases, and we will let you know once the National Office of Investigation decides how to handle them."
When asked if there had been any directives from the Blue House regarding the formation of a special investigation headquarters for the insurrection case, Hong replied, "Is that really something that needs instructions from above? It is a matter for us to decide after receiving the cases from the second special counsel and determining what structure to use to handle them."
It is reported that President Lee Jae-myung is reviewing the affiliation and operational system of an organization that will take charge of subsequent investigations into the insurrection case following the special counsel.
In connection with this, Hong repeatedly stated that it was "news to me" and that he "knows nothing about it."
To the question of whether a special investigation headquarters for the insurrection case could be established to investigate new cases in addition to those handed over by the previous special counsel, he said, "There is no such thing at all," adding, "As I have not received any instructions or opinions regarding this, it is not appropriate for me to comment."
Regarding the prosecution's decision not to request an arrest warrant sought by police against independent Representative Kim Byung-ki, Hong said, "We prepared it quite meticulously, but the standards demanded by the agency responsible for prosecuting and maintaining indictments were high," adding, "How long (supplementary investigations) will take depends on calling in people for questioning and gathering materials."
Concerning the police investigation deliberation committee's recommendation last month on the 25th to wrap up the investigation into independent Representative Kim Byung-ki within a month, he remarked, "The one-month period recommended ends on the 30th, but I have been briefed that it will exceed that timeframe," and noted, "It appears an extension request will be made within today."
On the possibility of forwarding Representative Kim Byung-ki to prosecutors without detention, he stated, "It is a matter to be decided after conducting supplementary investigations."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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