Police question Kim Kyung for fourth time, expand probe from nomination kickbacks to lobbying in Gangseo by-election [Comprehensive]

[The Financial News] Former Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Kyung, already embroiled in allegations of nomination kickbacks in the 2022 local elections, has now faced a fourth round of police questioning as suspicions spread to lobbying in the 2023 Gangseo District mayoral by-election in Seoul. Police are widening their investigation beyond how the nomination money was delivered and returned to include additional alleged cash payments made around the Gangseo District mayoral by-election.
According to reporting by The Financial News on the 29th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Public Crime Investigation Division summoned Kim that morning as a suspect on charges of bribery and violating the Political Funds Act. This is his fourth appearance, following previous summons on the 11th, 15th, and 18th.
Arriving at the SMPA Mapo office at about 9:40 a.m., Kim said, "I apologize for causing concern to the public" and added, "I will faithfully cooperate with the investigation." However, he did not answer questions about whether he had supported any politicians other than Independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, about alleged donations made under borrowed names, or about whether he had discussed nomination kickbacks with former Reform Party Senior Supreme Council Member Kim Seong-yeol.
Police are re-examining allegations that, ahead of the 2022 local elections, Kim handed 100 million won to then–Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kang. Investigators are focusing on whether a former aide and office director to Kang, identified only by the surname Nam, first proposed the amount, whether Kang was aware of the payment at the time it was delivered, and when the money was returned, as the three individuals have given conflicting statements on these points.
Police are also looking into allegations that, ahead of the 2023 Gangseo District mayoral by-election, Kim provided money or valuables to figures in the ruling camp. The Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission received a report that Kim had given money to Democratic Party of Korea officials and referred the case to police on the 19th.
Investigators recently completed forensic analysis of the so-called "Golden PC," a computer used by Kim’s side, and are reviewing more than 120 recorded phone calls with political figures. Some recordings are said to contain discussions of contacts and lobbying strategies related to the Gangseo District mayoral by-election nomination, as well as remarks about channels to senior lawmakers who could influence the nomination process.
Among the calls was a conversation with Kim Seong-yeol, who at the time was an aide to lawmaker Noh Woong-rae and later became a Senior Supreme Council Member of the Reform Party. Police questioned Kim Seong-yeol the previous day as a reference witness, and he explained, "There was no illegal provision of money or valuables, nor any solicitation to do so."
Through this round of questioning, police aim to determine the true nature of the alleged nomination kickbacks and the lobbying allegations surrounding the Gangseo by-election. Based on their findings, they plan to decide whether to conduct face-to-face confrontational questioning among Kim, lawmaker Kang, and Nam, and whether to issue additional summons.

Meanwhile, police are simultaneously pursuing several investigations involving Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Byung-ki. On the same morning, officers carried out search-and-seizure raids at two locations, including Coupang’s headquarters, to secure materials related to allegations that Kim obstructed the company’s business.
Kim is suspected of having tried to cause personnel disadvantages at Coupang after a former aide took a job there. Police are also questioning those involved in a total of 13 complaints, including allegations of misuse of corporate credit cards at the Dongjak District Council and claims that his second son received preferential treatment in transferring to Soongsil University. Once they finish reviewing the collected materials, investigators plan to decide whether to summon Kim for questioning.
425_sama@fnnews.com Choi Seung-han Reporter