Police launch raid into Kim Byung-gi over nomination funds

Jan 15, 2026, 07:57 am

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Police conduct a search and seizure at the residence and National Assembly office of Rep. Kim Byung-gi of the Democratic Party on Jan. 14 over allegations of receiving illegal nomination funds. / Yonhap

Police on Tuesday launched a compulsory investigation into Kim Byung-gi, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, over allegations that he received illegal nomination-related funds.

The public corruption investigation unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency carried out search and seizure operations at six locations, including Kim’s residence, his constituency office, and his office at the National Assembly lawmakers’ building. Police also searched an apartment in Daebang-dong owned by Kim’s second son, as well as the home of Lee Ji-hee, former vice chair of the Dongjak District Council, and offices at the district council.

Police have imposed travel bans on five individuals in connection with the case, including Kim, his wife, Lee, and two former Dongjak District Council members.

Kim is accused of receiving 10 million won and 20 million won, respectively, from two former district council members ahead of the 2020 general election, and later returning the money. Lee is suspected of having been involved in the process. Investigators are said to be prioritizing this allegation among several raised against the lawmaker. After analyzing the seized materials, police plan to summon Kim for questioning.

However, observers note that doubts remain over how much evidence investigators will be able to secure, as the probe was launched long after the allegations first surfaced. In late 2023, former lawmaker Lee Soo-jin disclosed that a petition detailing the alleged misconduct had been submitted by former Dongjak District head Lee Chang-woo and others. Kim Han-mae, head of the civic group Justice Action for Correct Judiciary, subsequently filed a complaint accusing Kim and the two former district council members of violating the Political Funds Act.

Separately, Kim also faces multiple other allegations, including intervening in his younger son’s transfer to Soongsil University, his spouse’s alleged misuse of district council expense funds and interference in investigations, receiving hotel vouchers and protocol favors from Korean Air, having expensive meals with the Coupang chief executive, and intervening in his eldest son’s recruitment to the National Intelligence Service. Police on Tuesday also questioned a former aide who first raised the corruption allegations as a witness.

#Kim Byung-gi #Democratic Party #nomination funds #political funds law #police investigation