Kim Byeong-gi's 3rd Investigation Halted After 5 Hours Due to Health Reasons
Kim Byeong-gi's third police investigation was abruptly halted after he requested to stop, citing health issues after five hours.
The third summons investigation of independent lawmaker Kim Byeong-gi, previously a member of the Democratic Party, was stopped after just five hours due to health concerns. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed that Kim requested the cessation of the investigation, and they plan to schedule another date to continue questioning him. Kim reported to the police in the morning as a suspect but left the precinct shortly before 2 PM without answering any questions from journalists regarding the investigation.
The police indicated that the investigation could not be considered complete as Kim did not sign the statement document before his departure, meaning the information recorded holds no legal weight without his signature. Recently, Kim's behavior has demonstrated a somewhat passive attitude towards the ongoing investigation, having previously undergone extensive questioning over two days in late October. Initially, police had aimed to conduct the third round on November 5, but it was postponed to the 11th at Kim's request due to ongoing health concerns.
The investigation revolves around 13 allegations against Kim, including the acceptance of illegal political funds and preferential employment for his son. The police's thorough inquiry into these claims will inform their decision regarding any potential legal actions against Kim. As the situation develops, his continued cooperation is crucial for the progress of the case, highlighting the intersection of health issues and legal accountability in high-stakes political investigations.