Kim Byung-joo, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and allegations of corruption surrounding his family are now under full-scale police investigation. [Photo=Yonhap News, Graphics=Hanmi Ilbo]

Police investigations are intensifying regarding various allegations of misconduct surrounding Kim Byung-joo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and his family, following a series of complaints filed by the Committee for the People's Livelihood (Kiminwi, Representative Kim Soon-hwan). 

A key issue has emerged as to whether the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will consolidate the investigation, given that the case is currently divided among several police stations.

Specifically, the Yeongdeungpo Police Station is handling allegations related to △receiving and using hotel accommodation vouchers worth approximately 1.6 million won from Korean Air. The Dongjak Police Station is investigating △allegations that Kim's spouse, Ms. Lee, misappropriated corporate credit cards belonging to Cho Jin-hee, former vice-chairman of the Dongjak District Council, for personal use between July and August 2022 (embezzlement) △circumstances suggesting the destruction of relevant documents when the issue arose (forgery of private documents) △allegations that Kim illicitly obtained Telegram chat content and disclosed it on social media (SNS) △allegations that Kim abused his authority to exert influence during his second son's transfer process to Soongsil University.

Furthermore, the Seocho Police Station is investigating △allegations that Kim's eldest son, Mr. Kim, a National Intelligence Service employee, violated the National Intelligence Service Employees Act by delivering information regarding the Indonesian President-elect's potential corporate visit and the companies' stances to Kim's then-aide in August of last year △allegations of violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act and obstruction of business, including Kim demanding donations in exchange for National Assembly Audit questions or instructing his aides to assist his son's work.

Kim Soon-hwan, the secretary-general of Kiminwi, stated, "As a matter of principle, Rep. Kim Byung-joo should apologize and cooperate faithfully with the investigation into the various allegations of power abuse and special treatment involving himself and his family, but he is neglecting this duty." He also expressed concerns about a biased investigation by the Dongjak Police Station, which is responsible for Kim's constituency (Dongjak A), and requested the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to conduct a direct investigation. 

In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to decide whether to transfer and consolidate the cases after reviewing the progress of the investigations at each police station. 

Meanwhile, Kim stated that the allegations of his spouse's misuse of corporate credit cards were previously closed with a 'no charges' decision. However, the police maintain that "the scope of the investigation at that time covered only a portion of the total allegations" and that a reinvestigation is necessary based on newly presented evidence. 

Regarding the continuous revelations and complaints, Kim has countered that they are "distorted claims by a former aide with whom his relationship has soured." He is scheduled to hold a press conference on the 30th to address all allegations directly. 

Kiminwi Donation Account: Post Office 010108-01-014472 

Account Holder: Committee for the People's Livelihood Measures 

Reporter Lim Yo-hee