"Nomination Bribes Still a Common Practice, Not a Secret"
"Structural Corruption at the Core" ? Criticism Directed at Both Ruling and Opposition Parties
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo has criticized the structural corruption of political nomination bribes, pointing out the widespread issue of such practices in politics in light of allegations that independent lawmaker Kang Sunwoo received 100 million won in nomination bribes from Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung. He questioned, "How could this be an issue unique to only Kim Byungki and Kang Sunwoo, who are currently under investigation?"
On January 18, Hong posted on his social media, "In regions like Yeongnam and Honam, as well as in the strongholds of each party, it cannot be said that backroom deals no longer exist," and added, "Those two are probably just feeling unlucky to have been caught."
He went on to recall his experience as a nomination screening committee member during the 17th general election in 2004, stating, "A senior lawmaker from the TK region offered 1.5 billion won in exchange for renomination." Hong recounted, "After saying I understood, I immediately reported it to the nomination committee, and the individual in question was cut and the nomination was given to a newcomer."
He also revealed that during the 2006 local elections, a former senior official from Seoul City offered 1 billion won while requesting the nomination for Dongdaemun District Mayor. He stated, "At that time, it was an open secret that the going rate was 100 million won for a metropolitan councilor and 50 million won for a basic councilor," and pointed out, "Even now, 20 years later, seeing the case of Councilman Kim Kyung, it seems the price of nomination bribes has not increased."
Regarding these practices, Hong criticized, "There are countless lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties who raise political funds and general election expenses by selling nominations during local elections," and added, "With the current structure where nomination rights are exclusively held by constituency lawmakers or party chapter heads, it is difficult to solve the problem." He further emphasized, "In the past, opposition parties openly accepted nomination bribes and used them for party election funds, but when individuals receive nomination bribes, it is not a violation of the Political Funds Act but is considered bribery under the Special Act on Specific Crimes."
Meanwhile, on the previous day, Kim Kyung, the Seoul City Council member accused of delivering 100 million won to Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo ahead of the 2022 local elections, appeared before the police. This was his third appearance following those on January 11 and 15. Speaking to reporters, Councilman Kim said, "I would like to once again apologize to the public," and added, "I am cooperating with the investigation in a responsible manner. I ask that you wait for the results." The police are expected to focus their questioning on the process of delivering and returning the 100 million won, as well as whether it was given in exchange for a nomination.
Kim Kyung, a Seoul city council member, is accused of delivering 100 million won in "nomination bribes" to Kang Sunwoo, an independent lawmaker formerly of the Democratic Party. Photo by Yonhap News
Previously, it was reported that Councilman Kim stated in a written confession submitted to the police through his attorney while he was staying in the United States that "in 2022, I personally handed 100 million won to Assemblywoman Kang at a cafe and received it back several months later." This statement contradicts Assemblywoman Kang's explanation. After the allegations surfaced, Kang posted on her social media, "I never received money in exchange for a promised nomination," and "Upon becoming aware of the situation, I immediately instructed that the money be returned."
Later that afternoon, Mr. Nam, who was the secretary general for Assemblywoman Kang's constituency office, was also scheduled to appear for questioning. Mr. Nam, who accompanied the meeting between Councilman Kim and Assemblywoman Kang, maintains that the 100 million won was exchanged while he was temporarily absent. The police conducted an intensive investigation of Mr. Nam for more than 10 hours the previous day, but since the statements of those involved in the nomination bribe case are conflicting, they are expected to further scrutinize the credibility of Mr. Nam's claims. Meanwhile, Assemblywoman Kang is scheduled to be summoned for her first police questioning on January 20. Depending on the statements of Kang, Kim, and Nam, the police are reportedly considering a face-to-face confrontation.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
