Kim Kyung Departs South Korea While Under Investigation Seoul councilor Kim Kyung left for the United States on Monday to visit her child, prompting the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s public corruption unit to note her absence and request that prosecutors alert police when she returns [1][2]. She told investigators she has no intention of fleeing and plans to come back soon to face questioning. Her departure expands a probe into alleged bribery tied to a Democratic Party (DP) nomination ahead of the 2022 local elections.

Police Plan Travel Ban and Re‑Entry Monitoring Investigators have asked prosecutors to notify police of Kim’s re‑entry, indicating a pending travel ban that will be enforced once she lands in Korea [1][2]. Authorities intend to interrogate her immediately upon return, signaling heightened pressure on the lawmaker. The move reflects broader efforts to curb potential flight risk among officials implicated in the case.

Alleged 100‑Million‑Won Payment Links Kim to Kang’s Aide The core allegation involves a 100 million‑won payment from Kim to an aide of Rep. Kang Sun‑woo during the 2022 local election cycle, allegedly exchanged for a constituency nomination [1][2]. This transaction anchors the bribery‑for‑nomination narrative and connects Kim to internal DP nomination disputes that have drawn public scrutiny. Both reports emphasize the payment as a pivotal piece of evidence in the expanding investigation.

Democratic Party Expels Kang Sun‑Woo After Her Exit Announcement Hours after Kang announced she would leave the DP, the party expelled her, reclassifying her as an independent [1][2]. The expulsion underscores the DP’s attempt to distance itself from members entangled in the nomination scandal. Party officials also signaled readiness to discipline other figures implicated in the probe.

Audio Recording Reveals Internal Discussion of Nomination Deal Local media released an audio clip of Kang Sun‑Woo speaking with Rep. Kim Byung‑kee, who served as secretary of the DP’s Seoul nomination committee, discussing the alleged payment [1][2]. The recording adds corroborative detail to the bribery allegations and highlights internal awareness of the deal. Its release has intensified media focus on the party’s nomination processes.

Kim Kyung Resigns From DP Floor Leadership, Faces Discipline Following her departure, Kim stepped down from the DP’s floor leadership, and the party announced it would pursue disciplinary action against her [1][2]. She also faces additional misconduct accusations beyond the bribery case. The resignation marks a further weakening of her political standing amid the investigation.