Kim Kyung: "I Submitted My Resignation Today... Will Fully Cooperate With All Investigations" (Update)

Statement Released Through Attorney on the 26th
"My Fault... I Will Offer No Excuses"
"I Will Accept Appropriate Legal Punishment"

Kim Kyung, a Seoul City Councilor currently under police investigation over allegations of nomination bribery, announced on January 26 that he would resign, stating, "I failed to fulfill the ethical responsibilities required of a public official."

Kim Kyung, City Councilor, answering reporters' questions. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In a statement released through his attorney on the same day, Councilor Kim said, "Today, I submitted my resignation from the city council to the council chair."

He added, "Regarding the incident involving the provision of 100 million won to Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo, which has become a source of controversy, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for failing to uphold the ethical duties expected of a public official. This was my mistake, and I will offer no excuses."

He continued, "Regardless of the reasons, simply being involved in a financial matter makes me unfit to represent the citizens. I deeply regret having disappointed the public and, with a sense of deep remorse, I intend to take responsibility by resigning from my position."

Kim Kyung emphasized, "Even after stepping down, I will fully cooperate with all ongoing investigations and inquiries. I will reveal the truth without any concealment and accept whatever legal punishment is appropriate for my wrongdoing."

Councilor Kim is under police investigation on charges of delivering a 100 million won bribe to then-Democratic Party Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo in connection with his bid for the Seoul City Council nomination in the June 2022 local elections.

He is also suspected of conspiring to provide nomination funds ahead of the 2023 Seoul Gangseo District mayoral by-election. The police are investigating after receiving a report from the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission regarding Councilor Kim and a former city council official.