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MBK Partners Chairman Kim Byung-joo Attends National Assembly Audit (Photo: Yonhap News) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, Oct. 14 — Kim Byung-joo, chairman of MBK Partners, bowed his head and apologized “for causing public concern” as he appeared as a witness before the National Policy Committee of the National Assembly during the 2025 parliamentary audit of the Fair Trade Commission. However, Kim maintained that he was “not involved” in matters related to the Homeplus rehabilitation case and the Lotte Card data breach incident.
During the session, Rep. Kim Nan-geun of the Democratic Party asked, “You said you were willing to contribute your personal assets — are you saying you cannot even guarantee payment from large corporations to their suppliers?” Kim replied, “It is not an area I am directly involved in, so it is difficult for me to comment in detail.”
When Rep. Shin Jang-sik of the Reform Party questioned whether he planned to offer personal compensation or priority repayment to investors in Homeplus’s asset-backed commercial paper, Kim drew a clear line, saying, “Homeplus is not part of the area I manage.”
Asked by Rep. Min Byung-deok of the Democratic Party why Homeplus filed for corporate rehabilitation in March this year, Kim responded, “I have no authority over the rehabilitation process. Such decisions are made by the company’s board of directors.”
Regarding his participation in decision-making for Lotte Card and Homeplus, Kim explained, “We are not a conglomerate, and I am not a controlling owner. Each of the 13 partners oversees their own respective sectors. My role is fundraising — raising capital and managing investment targets.”
Although Kim referred to MBK as “my company” while acknowledging social responsibility, lawmakers raised their voices as he repeatedly stated that he was not involved or unaware of specific matters.
When asked again about the possibility of contributing his own assets, Kim said, “Both the corporation and I personally lack the financial capacity at this time,” expressing a negative stance.
Rep. Han Chang-min of the Social Democratic Party rebuked Kim, saying, “You deceive the public with irresponsible falsehoods while claiming to fulfill social responsibility. What responsibility have you actually taken? If the company is sold to another buyer, you should present a plan — whether through personal contributions or otherwise — to ensure tenant businesses are not harmed.”
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
