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Police have requested an arrest warrant for independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, who is suspected of receiving KRW 100 million in nomination-related funds.

Police did not apply a bribery charge against Kang. This appears to reflect their view that a political party’s nomination process constitutes “party affairs,” not “public duties.” However, some argue that excluding the bribery charge disregards the job-related duties of a National Assembly member. Since Kang is also considered a public official, they argue that bribery may be established if she received money in exchange for nomination-related purposes during the local elections.

(Omitted)

Attorney Chon Hyeong Hwan, a former police officer, said, “Because party nominations are part of the internal candidate recommendation and selection process of a private association known as a political party, the police’s reasoning in viewing this as party affairs is understandable.”

He added, “Investigative authorities may choose to first apply charges under the Political Funds Act, the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, or breach of trust-related offenses involving the receipt of improper benefits by a private individual, rather than bribery.”

(Rest omitted)

Source: New Daily, Reporters Bae Jung-hyun and Lim Chan-woong, “Despite ‘KRW 100 Million Nomination Donation,’ Bribery Charge Omitted… Key Issues in Arrest Warrant for Kang Sun-woo,” February 5, 2026.
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