Kim Kyung, Suspected of 100 Million Won "Nomination Bribe," Returning from the US Today... Possible Police Escort for Investigation

Submitted Written Statement to Police Admitting to Charges

Kim Kyung, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council who is suspected of delivering 100 million won to Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo-then a member of the Democratic Party of Korea-as a bribe for a nomination during the 2022 local elections, will return to Korea on the afternoon of January 11. This comes 11 days after suspicions arose that Kim had fled to the United States following the launch of a full-scale investigation.

According to political sources on January 11, Kim was originally scheduled to return on the morning of January 12, but changed her flight and is now expected to arrive at Incheon International Airport later today.

The police plan to impose an immediate travel ban and question Kim as soon as she arrives in Korea. It has also been reported that authorities are considering escorting her directly from the airport to the police investigation office.

Kim, who is at the center of the so-called "nomination bribe" allegations, left for the United States on December 31, two days after being reported to the police, claiming she was visiting her child. However, it has been reported that she did not actually meet her child. Instead, she was spotted at CES 2026, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, held in Las Vegas, United States, starting January 6 (local time).

While staying in the United States, she repeatedly deleted and rejoined the secure messaging service Telegram, raising concerns about possible destruction of evidence.

Meanwhile, Kim recently submitted a written statement through her attorney to the police, in which she admitted to the charges against her.

The office of Kim Kyung, a Seoul City Council member suspected of delivering a 100 million won "nomination bribe" to independent lawmaker Kang Sunwoo, is dark in the Jung-gu Council member building. Photo by Yonhap News