• List

The investigation into allegations that Kim Kyung, a Seoul Metropolitan Council member, delivered KRW 100 million to independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo in exchange for a nomination ahead of the 2022 local elections is becoming increasingly murky, as the statements of key suspects continue to conflict.

Kim claims that she delivered the money. Kang says her aide received and kept the money, and that she immediately instructed the aide to return it. Meanwhile, a former aide surnamed Nam claims that Kang received the money and used it as funds for a jeonse deposit. As these accounts clash, the investigation is turning into a “word against word” dispute.

(Omitted)

Kim Kyung Claims She “Gave the Money to Kang Sun-woo at the Aide’s Suggestion”… “Cross-Examination Appears Inevitable”

Kim’s statement is relatively specific, including the timing and location of the alleged delivery of money, as well as the remarks made at the time. She has also made clear that the money was handed directly to Kang. If Kim’s claim is true, the case would directly lead to allegations that Kang received money in exchange for a nomination.

(Omitted)

Chon Hyeong Hwan, Managing Partner at Mega-X Law Office and a former police officer, explained, “If the parties are brought together and questioned face-to-face, there may be subtle differences in their reactions compared with when they are questioned individually, and new statements that did not exist before may emerge.”

He added, “In a case such as an alleged nomination donation, there is no concern that a victim would be harmed by a face-to-face confrontation, so the police may summon the parties and conduct a cross-examination.”

Attorney Chon emphasized, “Investigative authorities must also go beyond that and look for corroborating evidence. If there is a statement that the money was used for a jeonse deposit, then additional investigation must be conducted to trace the flow and source of the funds used for that deposit at the time.”

Source: New Daily, Reporters Kim Dong-woo and Lim Chan-woong, “Conflicting Statements Push ‘Nomination Donation’ Investigation Into a War of Words… ‘Cross-Examination Appears Inevitable,’” January 22, 2026.
Full article available at the original URL.