Seoul: Former Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Rep. Kim Byung-kee appeared before police for a second consecutive day to address suspicions of bribery and other allegations of misconduct. Kim, who recently left the ruling party to become an independent, was seen arriving at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Division in western Seoul. This followed an extensive questioning session the previous day.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim expressed his commitment to cooperating with the investigation, stating, "(I) will continue to sincerely cooperate with the investigation." The investigation involves 13 allegations against Kim, including the suspicion that he received 30 million won (US$21,000) from two members of Seoul's Dongjak Ward Council ahead of the 2020 general elections, with claims that the money was returned months later.

Additional allegations of corruption involve Kim's suspected acceptance of a high-priced accommodation voucher from Korean Air, as well as accusations against his wife for the alleged misuse of the Dongjak Ward Council's credit card. Despite these allegations, Kim, who previously held the position of the DP's floor leader, reportedly denied most of the charges during the initial questioning, which lasted over 14 hours.