Rep. Kang Sun-woo Says She’s Wrongly Accused in 100 Million Won Nomination Bribery Trial

In the first trial of a case alleging a 100 million won cash payment in exchange for a city council nomination, a former Seoul city council member and an aide to independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo admitted the charges. Kang’s side said she is being treated unfairly and postponed a detailed response.

Judge Lee Chun-geun of the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 1 held the first hearing Tuesday for Kang, former Seoul city council member Kim Kyung and Kang’s aide, identified only by the surname Nam, who are charged with violating the Political Funds Act and other offenses.

Kim and Nam accepted all allegations in the indictment. Kim’s attorney said, however, that there is room for legal interpretation regarding the breach-of-trust bribery charge and that the defense will submit a written opinion.

Kang’s attorney said the defense was recently retained and has not yet fully reviewed records or met with Kang, asking to state a specific position at the next hearing. The lawyer added that, unlike the other defendants, Kang “is appealing her unfairness,” indicating she denies the allegations.

Prosecutors allege that ahead of the 2022 local elections, Kang accepted 100 million won in cash from Kim in return for securing a nomination for a Seoul Gangseo District city council seat. Investigators say Kim proposed providing the money through Nam, coordinated the handoff with him and had Nam report the plan to Kang. Prosecutors say Kang agreed, and the three met at a hotel in Seoul’s Yongsan District, where Kang received a shopping bag containing cash.

Prosecutors say the defendants conspired to exchange money tied to an improper request related to candidate recommendations and to give and receive funds exceeding legal limits under the Political Funds Act. Kang is charged with violating the Political Funds Act, breach-of-trust bribery and violating the anti-graft law. Kim faces charges including breach-of-trust bribery for providing the money.

Kang has said during the investigation that she returned the money and has denied it was tied to any favor. Kim has been reported to have admitted wrongdoing, including by submitting a self-report.

Both were indicted last month while in custody. The court issued arrest warrants citing concerns about destruction of evidence and also rejected Kang’s request for a custody review.

The court set the next hearing for 5 p.m. on May 29, saying it will move quickly given the case involves detained defendants.