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Seoul’s Dongjak District Council on March 19, as police conducted search and seizure operations in connection with allegations that the wife of Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-ki misused official expense funds
(Photo: Yonhap News) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] South Korean police are questioning executives of Bithumb, the country’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange, in connection with allegations that Kim Byung-ki, an independent lawmaker, sought employment favors for his younger son.
According to a report by Newsis on February 3, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Public Crime Investigation Unit summoned a Bithumb executive, identified only as A, as a witness earlier in the day. The executive left police headquarters without responding to questions from reporters regarding whether Kim had requested assistance with his son’s employment or what was discussed during a dinner meeting.
Kim is suspected of having raised his son’s employment during a dinner with senior Bithumb officials in November 2024. Kim’s son was later hired by Bithumb in January 2025 and worked at the exchange for about six months.
Police are reportedly investigating whether improper solicitation or quid pro quo arrangements were involved in the hiring process, as well as the nature of conversations held at the dinner meeting. Another Bithumb official is scheduled to be questioned as a witness on February 4.
Bithumb has said that there were no irregularities in the hiring process.
Separately, Kim is also alleged to have approached Dunamu, the operator of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, seeking employment for his son. After being turned down, Kim is suspected of instructing aides to prepare parliamentary inquiries criticizing Dunamu’s alleged market dominance, raising questions over possible retaliatory actions.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
