MBK chairman Kim Byung-ju submits absence notice for Assembly audit over Homeplus crisis

MBK Partners Chairman Kim Byung-ju, subpoenaed as a witness for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' comprehensive national audit on Friday, has again submitted a notice of absence.

In the notice submitted Wednesday to the office of People Power Party Rep. Kim Sung-won, who chairs the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Resources, SMEs and Startups Committee, Kim said he does not involve himself in the management of individual portfolio companies. "Even if I were to appear, it would be difficult for me to provide adequate answers to questions regarding emergency management stabilization funds for Homeplus and damages suffered by vendors," he said.

He added that Homeplus CEO Cho Joo-yeon and MBK Vice Chairman Kim Kwang-il could appear before the audit in his place.

Earlier, Kim had been called as a witness for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' national audit on Oct. 7 but did not attend, citing concerns that testifying before the committee could affect an ongoing investigation.

The committee said it will decide whether to issue a compulsory attendance order and file a complaint under the Act on Testimony and Appraisal before the National Assembly if Kim fails to appear at the comprehensive audit.