Bithumb CEO booked as bribery suspect in South Korea

Reports indicate that Kim allegedly asked Lee in November 2024 to hire his second son. The son was subsequently hired and worked at Bithumb for six months. Additionally, Kim reportedly requested that Bithumb hire one of his aides, who was hired in September and has since been employed by the exchange.

Authorities are investigating whether Kim, who served on the assembly's Financial Affairs Committee, used his position to conduct legislative activities against Dunamu, the operator of Bithumb's rival exchange Upbit. This included raising concerns about Upbit's market dominance. The current development follows months of police investigation into the relationship between Kim and Bithumb, which has included two search and seizure operations.