Rep. Kim Byung-kee political fund scandal deepens after civic group's police complaint

He's out of the leadership, but the legal heat is rising. On Jan. 5, 2026, a South Korean civic group filed a formal complaint against Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), accusing him of accepting illegal political funds from local councilors half a decade ago. According to Yonhap News, the move signals an intensifying judicial probe into high-ranking political figures.

The 2020 Fund Allegations and Misconduct

The group, dedicated to judicial justice, alleges that Rep. Kim received a significant sum from two local councilors in his Seoul constituency in 2020. While he reportedly returned the money three to five months later, the civic group argues the initial transaction violated political finance laws.

This isn't the first time Rep. Kim has faced such scrutiny. He's also under fire for allegedly accepting high-priced accommodation vouchers from Korean Air. The mounting pressure led to his resignation as the DP's floor leader late last month.

Connections to the Blue House

The investigation is also reaching into the presidential office. The same civic group filed a complaint against Kim Hyun-ji, a personal secretary to President Lee Jae-myung. She's accused of condoning the allegations against Rep. Kim while she served as the party chairperson's secretary, potentially linking the scandal to the core of the current administration.