Independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee. [Yonhap]
Independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee. [Yonhap]

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's investigation review committee on Tuesday ordered investigators to "resolve the case swiftly within one month" in connection with independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, who is under investigation on 13 separate allegations.

The committee convened a regular meeting starting at 3 p.m. to examine whether the investigation into Kim had been conducted lawfully and appropriately, and announced it had reached the decision "after conducting an in-depth review over an extended period."

The committee added that "if an extension of the deadline is unavoidably necessary, investigators are recommended to explain the specific grounds, specify the new deadline, and submit an extension request to the committee," and that "the committee will rigorously review the necessity of any such request."

The investigation review system allows complainants and other parties to a case to request a review when they dispute the outcome or procedures of a police investigation. The review committee then examines the completeness, fairness and appropriateness of the investigation. Investigators are not legally obligated to follow the committee's directives.

Nevertheless, observers expect the case to move toward resolution more quickly, given persistent criticism that the investigation into Kim has been dragging on without progress.

Kim has been under police investigation since last year on 13 allegations, including suspected lobbying to secure a job for his second son and alleged attempts to have an investigation involving his spouse quashed.

The review session was convened at the request of complainant A, a former aide to Kim, and the civic group Seomin Minsaeng Daechaek Wiwonhoe, a citizens' welfare advocacy organization. The civic group filed its request for an investigation review on July 31, while the former aide submitted a petition to convene the committee on Aug. 3.


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