Nam, a former aide and chief secretary to independent lawmaker Kang Sunwoo, who is a key figure in the "100 million won nomination bribe" allegation, appeared for police questioning again on the afternoon of January 18. The Public Crime Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency began questioning Nam as a suspect from 7 p.m. that day. This marks the third round of questioning and the second consecutive day of summons.
At the same Mapo office, Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung was also undergoing his third round of questioning, leading to speculation that the two, whose statements have conflicted, might be confronted face-to-face. However, there is also the possibility that the suspects could refuse or exercise their right to remain silent during a confrontation.
Nam, a former aide to independent lawmaker Kang Sunwoo, is heading to the Metropolitan Investigation Unit at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 17th for police questioning. Photo by Yonhap News
Regarding the 100 million won nomination bribe, Assemblyman Kang, Councilman Kim, and Nam are engaged in a "truth game." Councilman Kim has consistently claimed during investigations that it was Nam who first proposed the nomination bribe to Assemblyman Kang. Kim alleges that while he was considering running in the 2022 local elections, Nam not only explained Kang's situation but also demanded a specific amount, referring to it as "one sheet."
However, Nam is reportedly maintaining that he knows nothing about the nomination bribe. He admits to having met with Assemblyman Kang and Councilman Kim, but claims he briefly stepped out and was unaware of any money changing hands. He further states that he only moved an unidentified item to a car at Kang's instruction afterward.
The police are expected to first sort out the conflicting testimonies between Councilman Kim and Nam ahead of Assemblyman Kang's scheduled questioning on January 20. Their statements are relatively similar. Assemblyman Kang has maintained that any money transaction was strictly between Councilman Kim and Nam, that he was only informed afterward, and that he immediately ordered the money to be returned.
All three are sticking to statements most favorable to themselves in hopes of avoiding or reducing punishment, making it crucial to uncover the truth. If Assemblyman Kang admits to accepting a bribe, he could face severe charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. Councilman Kim, even if he handed over the money, must avoid admitting it was a nomination bribe, as this carries heavy penalties. Nam, having allegedly solicited and delivered illicit funds as an intermediary, could be punished as an accomplice.
Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung, who is accused of delivering 100 million won in "nomination bribes" to independent lawmaker Kang Sunwoo, is responding to reporters' questions as he appears at the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 18th for investigation as a suspect. Photo by Yonhap News
Meanwhile, upon arriving at the Mapo office at 10:04 a.m. that day, Councilman Kim told reporters, "There are far too many statements and speculative reports circulating that are not true. I personally find this regrettable." He added, "I am cooperating faithfully with the investigation and taking responsibility seriously. I ask that you wait for the results. I sincerely apologize once again."
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