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Bithumb CEO Named Suspect in Hiring Probe
Seoul police named Bithumb CEO Lee Jae-won a bribery suspect in a hiring probe involving a lawmaker's son. The case adds to a $24.2M fine and a partial suspension order the exchange already faces.
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Seoul police have named Bithumb CEO Lee Jae-won as a bribery suspect in an investigation into whether he influenced a hiring decision involving a lawmaker's son. The probe, opened today by the Seoul Metropolitan Agency, adds to a stack of regulatory and legal problems the exchange has faced this year.
Investigators allege Lee used his position to favor a job applicant linked to a lawmaker. The hiring reportedly followed a meeting at a restaurant in Seoul's Mapo district in November. Officials believe the decision came within two months of that private discussion.
A former aide provided information that triggered renewed scrutiny of the appointment process. Police are reviewing communications between parties to confirm whether influence was applied. Authorities are also examining whether committee roles affected oversight of rival exchange Dunamu, assessing possible links between the hiring and political leverage within financial regulation.
Investigators reviewed a separate advisory hire made in September 2025. That appointment is being checked for a possible connection to the current allegations.