South Korean investigations intensify involving NIS official and lawmaker

South Korean legal and political investigations are intensifying across several high-profile cases. The Police Investigation Deliberation Committee has ordered investigators to resolve the 11-month probe into independent lawmaker Kim Byung-ki within one month. Kim faces 13 allegations, including interference in university admissions and misuse of corporate cards.

In a separate matter, a special prosecution team has indicted former National Intelligence Service (NIS) official Hong Jang-won on charges of participating in an insurrection. Prosecutors allege that during the December 3 martial law period, Hong directed subordinates to collect public opinion via social media and news reports. Hong’s legal team maintains these were routine intelligence duties and that he actually resisted orders to arrest politicians.

Additionally, prosecutor Park Sang-yong appeared before the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to face questioning regarding allegations of refusing to take an oath during a National Assembly investigation. Park has contested the validity of the complaint, claiming the prosecution cited irrelevant legal precedents and characterized the accusations as an abuse of investigative power.