South Korean police have launched an investigation into independent lawmaker Kim Byung-gi for alleged nepotism related to his son’s employment in the cryptocurrency sector. This inquiry intensified following a raid on Bithumb, one of the country's largest crypto exchanges, where authorities are examining potential favoritism in hiring practices.
Reports indicate that Kim may have improperly influenced hiring decisions at Bithumb and other firms, including Dunamu, the operator of rival exchange Upbit. His son began working at Bithumb in January 2025 and was employed there for roughly six months. Authorities are scrutinizing whether external pressures affected the recruitment process.
The investigation has expanded to include multiple allegations against Kim, including his conduct while serving on the National Assembly’s Political Affairs Committee, where he reportedly directed questions towards Dunamu, raising suspicions of an attempt to benefit the company employing his son. Previous questioning of crypto exchange executives occurred in February, and further inquiries into additional connections to Bithumb have been ongoing.