South Korean police have decided not to prosecute a former head of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO) on most of the corruption allegations he faced, including abuse of power and embezzlement. The decision comes after an investigation that lasted nearly two years.
Investigation into Allegations
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s anti-corruption division concluded its investigation on November 1st, referring the former chairman, identified as Lee Ki-hyung, to the prosecution with charges of abuse of power, third-party bribery, and embezzlement. The police also cited violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.
However, the police decided to clear him of charges related to the alleged personal use of sponsored goods and violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act concerning those items, citing insufficient evidence.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation was initiated in November 2023 by the government’s joint inspection team, which was examining alleged wrongdoings at the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation. The team reported potential corruption involving Lee and referred the case to the police.
At the time, the inspection team announced findings that suggested the former chairman had engaged in improper hiring practices. Specifically, it was alleged that Lee appointed a university friend of his daughter to a coaching position at the National Training Center in Jincheon, which is managed by the foundation.
Further Allegations Detailed
Additional allegations brought forward during the investigation included:
- Granting key positions related to the 2024 Paris Olympics to an acquaintance.
- Facilitating the purchase of approximately 80 million won (around $60,000 USD) worth of nutritional supplements and sports apparel for athletes, with the costs allegedly covered by sports organizations.
- Providing foundation goods to acquaintances or using them for personal purposes.
Police Action and Previous Events
Following the government inspection results in November 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism requested a swift investigation from the police and suspended Lee from his duties. The police launched their own investigation in December of the same year, conducting searches and seizures at the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation and the National Training Center in Jincheon.
Despite these allegations, Lee Ki-hyung ran for the 42nd chairman election of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation in January of the previous year. He ultimately lost the election to the current chairman, Yoo Seung-min, by a narrow margin of 38 votes, failing to secure a third consecutive term.
Conclusion on Charges
The police’s decision to clear Lee of several charges, particularly those concerning the misuse of sponsored items, highlights the challenges in gathering conclusive evidence for such allegations. While some charges remain, the majority of the initial accusations have not led to prosecution, marking a significant development in the case that has spanned almost two years.
