Police Review Panel Orders Swift Conclusion on Independent Rep. Kim Byung-kee Investigation

[Anchor]

Police have been investigating independent Representative Kim Byung-kee over 13 allegations, including the reception of illegal political funds, but have failed to reach a conclusion for nearly a year. A police investigation deliberation committee is currently holding a meeting to evaluate whether the probe is proceeding properly. Let's connect with our reporter stationed at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

Reporter Bae Seong-jae, is the deliberation committee still in session?

[Reporter]

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Investigation Deliberation Committee held a regular meeting starting at 3 p.m. today (the 25th) to deliberate on the case involving independent Representative Kim Byung-kee.

The committee, composed entirely of external figures, intensively discussed whether the investigation process into Representative Kim's case was lawful and whether there were any unnecessary delays or shortcomings.

Shortly before 7 p.m. today, the committee made public its deliberation result instructing that the case be handled swiftly within a month.

It also specified a recommendation that if an extension of the processing deadline is unavoidably necessary, specific reasons must be explained and a targeted deadline requested from the committee.

This deliberation was convened after former aides to Representative Kim and others filed a request, claiming that police have been delaying the handling of the case despite having progressed a significant portion of the investigation.

[Anchor]

Is there a reason why the investigation has dragged on for nearly a year?

[Reporter]

The police investigation into Representative Kim began in September of last year.

The probe, which initially started over allegations of soliciting preferential treatment for his second son's transfer to Soongsil University and employment at a private company, has expanded to 13 allegations, including the acceptance of nomination contributions and his spouse's misuse of corporate credit cards.

Last April, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Chief Park Jung-bo hinted that the investigation was in its final stages, stating, "We will reach a conclusion soon."

Even National Office of Investigation Head Hong Seok-ki and acting National Police Agency Commissioner General Yoo Jae-sung stepped forward to make remarks implying that "the investigation will conclude soon," yet no conclusion has emerged even now in its 11th month.

Inside and outside the police force, various interpretations are pouring in, questioning whether they are trying to reach a conclusion after upcoming high-level police reshuffles, including the Seoul police chief, or if they are trying to delay sending the case to the prosecution past October 2, when the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights are abolished.

Following today's decision by the deliberation committee, public opinion demanding a swifter outcome regarding Representative Kim's case is expected to grow even stronger.

(Camera: Kim Seung-tae | Video Editing: Ahn Yeo-jin)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.