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 key figure in the alleged acceptance of a 100 million won nomination fund.

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 details of the nomination fund was released on December 29, bringing the allegations to light.

Arriving at the police station at approximately 8:56 a.m. that day, Assemblywoman Kang briefly stated, "I am truly sorry for causing public concern with this matter. I will cooperate with the investigation truthfully and as it is. I have always lived by my principles and will continue to do so," before proceeding to the interrogation room.

Kang did not respond to reporters' questions such as, "Did you receive the 100 million won nomination fund?" and "Did you help Kim Kyung, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, receive the nomination in exchange for money?"

Kang is suspected of receiving 100 million won in cash from Kim Kyung, a Seoul Metropolitan Council member, 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 receiving the nomination fund. 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 fund was solely between Kim and Nam, and that she was informed after the fact and immediately instructed its return. However, both Kim and Nam reportedly testified that Kang was present at a downtown cafe on the day the nomination fund was exchanged.

The police have questioned both Nam and Kim 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 forensic analysis has been hampered because her side has not provided the password.