• List

By Lee Yoo-rim, Edaily — With independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo and former Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Kyung arrested over allegations involving KRW 100 million in nomination-related funds, investigative authorities are expected to intensify pressure on independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, who is suspected of having known about the allegations but tacitly allowing them.

(Omitted)

Kang had strongly denied the allegations, saying, “I did not know there was money in the shopping bag.” However, the court appears to have determined that the criminal allegations were substantially substantiated, based on the physical evidence and statements presented by investigative authorities. Some analysts say that circumstances suggesting Kang attempted to destroy evidence, including formatting an office computer, served as grounds for issuing the warrant.

Kang’s arrest is also expected to deal a direct blow to Kim. If a causal relationship is established between the solicitation circumstances contained in the recorded conversations and the allegedly preferential nomination that followed, Kim may find it difficult to avoid responsibility for conspiracy or aiding and abetting, if he knew of the nomination funds but abused his authority.

(Omitted)

Attorney Chon Hyeong Hwan, a former police officer, analyzed, “The fact that a suspect was detained at the investigation stage means that the allegations themselves have been proven to a considerable extent.”

He added, “It will be difficult for Kim, who discussed the nomination donation issue with Kang and served as secretary of the nomination management committee at the time, to be free from responsibility.”

Source: Edaily, Reporter Lee Yoo-rim, “Kang Sun-woo Arrested Over Alleged Receipt of KRW 100 Million… Will It Affect Kim Byung-kee Amid Allegations of Tacit Approval?” March 4, 2026.
Full article available at the original URL.