'Kang Sunwoo Nomination Fund' Kim Kyung to Return in the Evening... Police Begin Investigation Preparation (Comprehensive)

Kim Kyung, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council who is suspected of delivering 100 million won in "nomination funds" to Kang Sunwoo, who was then a member of the Democratic Party during the 2022 local elections, will return to Korea on the afternoon of January 11.

Kang Sunwoo, Independent Member of the National Assembly. Yonhap News

The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to impose an exit ban on Kim as soon as he enters the country and to question him in a voluntary attendance format.

The police also canceled a scheduled interview with the complainant regarding allegations of misuse of the Dongjak District Council by the wife of Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byungki, which was set for around 3 p.m., and began preparing for the investigation of Kim Kyung instead.

The police plan to focus their investigation on how the money was delivered and whether there was any quid pro quo involved. There is also a possibility that Kim Kyung's mobile phone will be secured on a voluntary submission basis.

However, as the flight carrying Kim Kyung has been repeatedly delayed, it is unlikely that the investigation will be completed within a few hours. Even if Kim is allowed to return home, there are expectations that the authorities will inevitably need to secure his custody due to concerns about destruction of evidence and flight risk.

Kim Kyung left for the United States on December 31, two days after the police complaint was filed, saying he was "going to see his child." During his stay in the United States, he repeatedly left and rejoined Telegram, raising concerns about destruction of evidence. It was also confirmed that he left Telegram again the previous day.

The police have faced criticism over their investigative will and capabilities, as they have done little in response except to coordinate Kim Kyung's return schedule with his side.

Recently, through his attorney, Kim Kyung submitted a written statement to the police admitting to the charges against him. It is reported that the statement detailed how he placed 100 million won in the trunk of the car belonging to Nam, a former aide who was then the chief secretary to Assemblywoman Kang during the 2022 local election campaign. However, Nam reportedly testified that he was unaware of the money being placed in his vehicle.