The case of Rep. Kim Byung-ki, which had been dragging on, was sent to the prosecution's investigation review committee. It is likely that the committee will recommend a "filing deadline". The case involves allegations that Rep. Kim Byung-ki of the Democratic Party embezzled funds meant for his constituency. In May 2019, Kim was accused of embezzling some 800 million won (US$700,000) from a fund that was meant to be used for his constituents. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office looked into the allegations but decided not to indict Kim in October 2020. However, the prosecution's decision was later overturned following a review by a high-ranking prosecutor. In February, the prosecution sent the case to the investigation review committee, asking for its opinion on whether to indict Kim. The committee is tasked with recommending whether there is a need for further investigation or if there is enough evidence to indict. In most cases, the committee's recommendations are followed by the prosecution. The committee's decision is expected to be announced on Friday. If the committee recommends that Kim be indicted, it is likely that the prosecution will take that course of action. Kim's term as a lawmaker ends on May 29. If he is indicted before his term ends, he will have to give up his seat in the National Assembly.

The increasing case involving Representative Kim Bong-gi is raising questions about the delay in the ongoing police investigation. The matter of sending a formal notice within a year has been highlighted. It is expected that the police will propose a notice regarding the progress of the investigation and the need for prompt handling during the upcoming session of the Special Investigation Committee (수심위) on May 25th.

The committee, composed of both internal and external members, will review the appropriateness of the police's investigative methods and discuss the need for necessary actions based on their findings. The discussion will focus on the delay in the investigation into Representative Kim's case, including accusations of unfair admission to Sungkyunkwan University, the disclosure of Telegram conversations related to assistants, and other related issues.

The decisions reached by the committee are likely to suggest tentative timelines for resolving these cases. Although the recommendation of the Special Investigation Committee does not have binding force, it is difficult to reject the recommendation without a legitimate reason. Earlier this month, a civil society organization, Citizens' Committee for Social Welfare, had already requested the establishment of the committee on May 31st, citing the delay in investigating Representative Kim's alleged "unfair admission to Sungkyunkwan University."

Additionally, former assistants of Representative Kim had requested the issuance of subpoenas for Telegram conversation records and other communication records, in their quest to file criminal charges against Representative Kim for violating the Communication Security Act. Since September of last year, the police have been investigating Representative Kim's alleged shortcomings, including his help in granting special benefits to his daughter, attending a private hotel, hiring a job at Chuseok Travel, and accepting a political funding of 30 million won. Currently, the investigation covers 13 different accusations against Representative Kim.