Civic group files complaint against DPK lawmaker over bribery

A civic group dedicated to restoring judicial justice filed a complaint on Monday against Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, accusing him of accepting illegal political funds from local councilors five years ago. The same group also filed a complaint against Kim Hyun-ji, personal secretary to President Lee Jae Myung, for allegedly condoning the matter.

On January 5, 2026, a civic group submitted a complaint to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), alleging he received a large sum from two local councilors in his Seoul constituency in 2020 and returned it three to five months later. The accusations center on illegal political funding.

The group had previously filed a separate complaint against Rep. Kim over other corruption allegations, including his suspected acceptance of a high-priced accommodation voucher from Korean Air. He resigned as the DPK's floor leader late last month.

The same civic group also filed a complaint against Kim Hyun-ji, a personal secretary to President Lee Jae Myung, accusing her of condoning the allegations related to Rep. Kim while serving as the DPK chairperson's secretary. These actions highlight ongoing efforts to address corruption in South Korean politics.

No police investigation outcomes have been reported yet, and responses from the involved parties remain unavailable.

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