Conflicting statements have emerged from Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung, independent lawmaker Kang Sunwoo, and Kang's former aide, identified only as Mr. Nam, regarding the allegations of a 100 million won "nomination bribe." The three key figures at the center of the case appear to be engaged in a battle over the truth.
According to the police and other sources on January 15, the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, during its questioning of Councilman Kim on this day, reportedly secured a statement to the effect that "Mr. Nam, former aide to Assemblyman Kang, proposed the nomination bribe" ahead of the 2022 local elections. It is said that Mr. Nam was the first to demand money from Councilman Kim, who was at the time searching for a district to run in. Councilman Kim claims that after accepting this proposal, he handed over 100 million won at a meeting attended by both Assemblyman Kang and Mr. Nam.
It is also reported that in the written confession submitted by Councilman Kim, he stated that Assemblyman Kang was present at the scene and that he delivered the money while Mr. Nam briefly stepped out.
However, Mr. Nam reportedly told police during questioning on January 6 that he never suggested a nomination bribe. While he confirmed that all three met together, in line with Councilman Kim's account, Mr. Nam claimed he was away from the meeting at the time the money changed hands and was therefore unaware of the transaction. He further asserted that Assemblyman Kang instructed him to "move an item to the car," which he complied with, but insisted he did not know the item contained money.
Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung, accused of delivering 100 million won in "nomination bribes" to independent lawmaker Kang Sunwoo (formerly of the Democratic Party), is answering reporters' questions as he appears before the Public Crime Investigation Unit at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for questioning as a suspect on January 15, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News
The testimonies of the two also contradict Assemblyman Kang's explanation. Assemblyman Kang previously stated, "I have never received any money," and claimed, "I was completely unaware of the 100 million won transaction until I was informed by Mr. Nam."
In connection with the case, the police plan to summon Assemblyman Kang on January 20 to question him about the specific facts. The investigation will focus on clarifying the discrepancies between Assemblyman Kang's account and the statements of Councilman Kim and Mr. Nam.
However, criticism has arisen over the police's slow response, as the initial disclosure of the nomination bribe recording occurred on December 29 of last year, meaning that the police are summoning Assemblyman Kang, a central figure in the case, more than three weeks after the issue first came to light.
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