Kang Sunwoo Summoned as Suspect in '100 Million Won Nomination Fund' Case: "I Will Cooperate Truthfully"

The police have urgently summoned independent lawmaker Kang Sunwoo, who has been identified as the central figure in the alleged acceptance of a 100 million won nomination bribe.

Yonhap News Agency

The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency called in Assemblywoman Kang as a suspect for questioning at around 9 a.m. on January 20. This comes about three weeks after a recording containing evidence of the nomination bribe was released on December 29, bringing the allegations to light.

Arriving at the police station at approximately 8:56 a.m. that morning, Assemblywoman Kang briefly stated, "I am truly sorry for causing public concern over this matter. I will cooperate with the investigation truthfully and as things are. I have lived my life with principles, and I will continue to uphold them," before heading to the interrogation room.

Kang did not respond to reporters' questions asking, "Did you receive the 100 million won nomination bribe?" and "Did you help Kim Kyung, the Seoul city council member, receive the nomination in exchange for money?"

Kang is suspected of receiving 100 million won in cash from Seoul city council member Kim Kyung, through former secretary-general Nam, in exchange for a nomination ahead of the 2022 local elections (in violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, including bribery).

The investigation is expected to focus on discrepancies in statements regarding the process of the nomination bribe. If Kang immediately returned the 100 million won, the police are also expected to question why she advocated for Kim’s nomination during the Nomination Management Committee meeting.

Kang has maintained that the exchange of the nomination bribe was solely between Kim and Nam, and that she was only informed afterward and immediately instructed the return of the money. However, it has been reported that both Kim and Nam testified that Kang was present at a downtown cafe on the day the bribe was exchanged.

The police have questioned both Nam and Kim Kyung three times each.

If Kang admits to accepting the bribe, she will inevitably face serious charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. Previously, the police seized Kang’s iPhone, but it has been reported that the forensic investigation has stalled because Kang’s side has not provided the password.