Investigation Into Rep. Kim Byung-kee Enters 11th Month Amid Calls for Outside Review Panel

[Anchor]

As police investigations into various allegations surrounding independent Representative Kim Byung-kee have remained stalled for nearly a year, calls are mounting to convene a police investigation deliberation committee. However, police leadership continues to repeat that more time is needed to review the case, fueling growing controversy.

Here is a report from reporter Jeong Jiyeon.

[Reporter]

A former aide, surnamed A, who exposed 13 allegations against independent Representative Kim Byung-kee, submitted an application today (the 3rd) to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to convene an investigation deliberation committee.

In the application, A stated, "The intentional delay in the investigation has reached an intolerable level," adding, "There is a need to deliberate whether the failure to apply for an arrest warrant stems from other circumstances, such as leadership hesitating out of concern for political power."

Previously, a civic group that filed complaints regarding allegations including Rep. Kim's second son's intervention in a transfer admission to Soongsil University also recently requested an investigation review, stating, "It raises suspicions that the delay is caused by circumstances other than investigative capability."

These consecutive requests to convene an investigation deliberation committee come as police, in the 11th month, have yet to produce investigation results or even make a decision on whether to seek an arrest warrant for Rep. Kim.

A total of seven summon investigations have been conducted, with the last one taking place in April. At the time, Rep. Kim said the following:

[Kim Byung-kee / Independent Representative (in April) : It seems I am being called in too often, but I will faithfully explain myself. Is there any reason an arrest warrant would be requested?]

Hong Seok-ki, head of the National Office of Investigation, answered reporters' questions during a regular press briefing today regarding whether the delay reflects a lack of capability, saying, "The investigation has been wrapped up in broad terms," but adding, "The more important a case is, the more thorough the review must be to prevent frequent demands for supplementary investigation from the prosecution."

[Kwak Jun-ho / Criminal Defense Attorney : It seems to be related to the will to investigate. Rep. Kim's case itself is not tremendously complex. Once you investigate the related parties, the facts quickly come to light.]

Police recently decided not to forward all cases involving independent Representative Kang Sun-woo—who had been reported over allegations including abuse of aides and split donations—citing insufficient evidence.

While police leadership repeatedly emphasizes prudent judgment, concerns are growing over the investigative capacity of the police, who are tasked with handling high-profile corruption cases ahead of the scheduled abolition of the Prosecutors' Office in October.

(Video Editing: Kim Jong-tae, Design: Lee Jun-ho)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.