Kang Sunwoo, an independent lawmaker under suspicion of receiving 100 million won in nomination funds from Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Kyung ahead of the 2022 local elections, returned home on January 21 after nearly 21 hours of overnight questioning.
Kang appeared at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Public Crime Investigation Unit around 9 a.m. the previous day and left the building at 5:53 a.m. on this day. While the formal questioning ended around 2 a.m., it is reported that Kang spent about four hours meticulously reviewing her statement records.
Speaking to reporters, Kang stated, "I participated in the investigation sincerely, truthfully, and to the best of my ability. I apologize for causing public concern over this matter. I will continue to respond to the remaining investigation with the same sincerity, truthfulness, and dedication as I have so far." However, she did not answer questions such as, "Did you use the 100 million won as a deposit for a lease?", "If you were nominated, why was the money returned?", or "Are you willing to participate in a face-to-face investigation?" and instead got into her vehicle.
The police reportedly focused their questioning on whether Kang actually received the 100 million won, whether she was present when the money was exchanged, and whether she was aware of the transaction. When appearing at the police station the previous day, Kang told reporters, "I have lived a life adhering to principles," effectively denying the allegations. However, Councilman Kim and Kang’s former office manager, identified as Mr. Nam, have both pointed to Kang as the recipient of the nomination funds.
In particular, Councilman Kim is said to have specified that he met Kang at a hotel in Yongsan at the end of 2021 to hand over the money, and that he received it back after the local elections in June 2022. Mr. Nam also reportedly testified that Kang used the 100 million won received from Councilman Kim as a deposit for a lease.
The police are expected to determine the course of action regarding Kang, Councilman Kim, Mr. Nam, and others after analyzing Kang’s statements.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
