Seoul Police Investigating Kim Byung-gi Over Son's University Admission, Bithumb Hiring

Seoul police have broadened an investigation into independent lawmaker Kim Byung-gi and his family, focusing on alleged preferential treatment related to his son. The son, identified as A, is suspected of using irregular means in gaining admission to Soongsil University’s contract department and in obtaining a job at the cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb.

On the 13th, investigators from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Public Crime Investigation Division went to A’s residence to secure materials tied to the charges. A is accused of improper methods in both his university transfer and his employment process at Bithumb. The police previously searched A’s home in January as part of the inquiry.

Kim is accused of intervening in his son’s education, allegedly meeting with Soongsil University’s president and using aides and district councilors to contact university officials to facilitate the son’s admission. The son subsequently transferred into Soongsil University’s contract program in early 2023.

Police also suspect that Kim sought to help his son obtain a position at Bithumb by using his influence. A reportedly worked at Bithumb for about six months starting around January last year.

The investigation has included Two previous actions: police questioned A on January 25 and again on February 2 as a suspect in relation to obstruction of business. Authorities have not publicly disclosed any charges beyond the stated allegations of irregular admission and employment dealings.

Soongsil University is a private Seoul-based institution, while Bithumb is one of South Korea’s larger cryptocurrency exchanges. The case highlights concerns in Korea about connections between politics, education access, and private sector hiring, and it comes at a time when U.S. observers monitor governance and regulatory risk in Korea’s tech and financial sectors, including crypto-related businesses.

For the U.S., the developments matter because Korea is a key ally and partner in technology, trade, and security. Perceived improper influence in education and hiring can affect governance norms, foreign investment sentiment, and the regulatory climate for multinational companies operating in Korea, including those in fintech and cryptocurrency. The outcome could influence public trust and enforcement priorities in high-stakes sectors that intersect politics, education, and business.