Police raided the home and offices of Democratic Party Rep. Kim Byung-kee on Wednesday, escalating the corruption probe that prompted his resignation as party floor leader last month. He is suspected of receiving 30 million won in illegal political funds from Dongjak Ward Council members in 2020, among other allegations.
On Wednesday morning, investigators from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency conducted search and seizure operations at six locations, including Rep. Kim Byung-kee's home and National Assembly office, Seoul's Dongjak Ward Council, and a council member's home and office. The raids target allegations that Kim received 30 million won ($20,320) in illegal political funds from two Dongjak Ward Council members in 2020, which he reportedly returned months later.
This builds on earlier misconduct claims that led to Kim's December 30 resignation as Democratic Party floor leader, including a high-priced Korean Air accommodation voucher, his wife's misuse of council credit cards, interventions in his sons' university transfers and employment, and expensive dinners from Coupang Corp.
Police are securing computer data, documents, and evidence, planning to summon Kim after analysis. The case underscores ethical issues in the ruling party with potential political ramifications.
