Kim Byung-ki makes first police appearance over 13 allegations including nomination bribes

[The Financial News] Kim Byung-ki, an independent lawmaker facing 13 allegations including receiving nomination bribes, appeared before police for the first time as a suspect on the 26th.
Arriving at around 8:57 a.m. that day at the Mapo Office of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Metropolitan Investigation Unit, Kim told reporters, "I am sorry to be investigated over this matter," and added, "I will completely dispel all allegations and slander raised against me and will surely restore my honor."
When asked whether he denied all 13 allegations, he replied, "I will faithfully undergo the investigation." Regarding suspicions that a safe was kept at his second son’s home, he stated, "There was no safe."
He did not give a specific answer when asked whether the money he received from district councilors was in return for party nominations.
Kim also went into the building without responding to a question about whether he would invoke his parliamentary immunity from arrest if prosecutors later seek an arrest warrant for him.
Kim is under investigation over 13 matters, including allegations that ahead of the 2020 general election he received a total of 30 million won in nomination bribes from two former Dongjak District councilors and later returned the money; that he intervened to secure preferential transfer admission for his second son to Soongsil University; that he sought employment favors at a virtual asset exchange; and that his spouse privately used business promotion expenses from the Dongjak District Council and tried to have the resulting investigation quashed.
Police plan to continue questioning him for two consecutive days, through the 27th, to verify the facts surrounding all the allegations. They are also considering summoning him again if additional questioning is deemed necessary.
425_sama@fnnews.com Choi Seung-han Reporter