Lawmaker Kim Byong-joo sued by former aide for whistleblower protection violation

Independent lawmaker Kim Byong-joo, who is currently under police investigation for 13 charges including illegal political fund-raising, has been additionally sued for allegedly violating the Whistleblower Protection Act and for intimidation.

The Seoul Dongjak Police Station confirmed on July 21 that they received a complaint from a former aide, identified only as 'A', who accuses Kim of violating the Whistleblower Protection Act and engaging in intimidation. According to the complaint, Kim allegedly disclosed the identity of 'A' on social media and sent a certified letter threatening criminal charges after 'A' reported suspicions related to Kim to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission.

Last November, 'A' reported several allegations to the commission, including suspicions of illicit money and gift exchanges involving Kim's spouse, misuse of official funds by the Dongjak District Council, and Kim's alleged interference in the employment of former aides. Following media reports on these allegations, Kim publicly disclosed the affiliations and positions of some of his former aides on platforms like Facebook.

Police launched an investigation into Kim late last year and have been pursuing the case for over seven months. An official from the National Police Agency stated during a regular press briefing that the investigation is in its final stages, citing the need for time to evaluate the substantiality of the multiple allegations raised.

The additional lawsuit adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of Kim Byong-joo, who was previously affiliated with the Democratic Party before becoming an independent lawmaker. The outcome of both the initial investigation and the new lawsuit will determine the future course of his political career.