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Ex-DP lawmaker appears before police over 13 allegations of wrongdoing

Published: 26 Feb. 2026, 11:26

Independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, center, arrives at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit in western Seoul on Feb. 26, to be questioned about various allegations of misconduct. [YONHAP]

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-kee appeared before police Thursday to be questioned about 13 allegations of misconduct, including suspected bribery.

His appearance before police comes about five months after allegations of various wrongdoing involving his family surfaced last September.

Kim, who defected from the ruling party last month to become an independent, arrived at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit in western Seoul shortly before 9 a.m. to be grilled as a suspect.

"I'm sorry to be in this situation. I'll faithfully undergo the investigation to completely clear up all suspicions and slander and restore my honor," Kim told reporters before entering the police building.

The core of the 13 allegations is the suspected bribery, in which Kim allegedly received 30 million won ($21,000) from two members of Seoul's Dongjak Ward Council ahead of the 2020 general elections and returned the money three to five months later.

The lawmaker also faces other corruption allegations, including his suspected acceptance of a high-priced accommodation voucher from Korean Air, his wife's misuse of the Dongjak Ward Council's credit card, interventions in his sons' university transfer and employment, acceptance of expensive hospitality from Coupang and seeking personnel disadvantages for his former aide hired by Coupang.

Kim has denied all the allegations, saying he will quit politics if held legally responsible for even one of the allegations raised.

Yonhap