Seoul Councilor Kim Kyung Resigns Ahead of Ethics Hearing Amid Bribery Investigation
Updated (2 articles)
Resignation Submitted Before Scheduled Disciplinary Session Kim Kyung handed her resignation letter to the Seoul Metropolitan Council chair on Monday, announcing she will step down prior to the ethics committee meeting set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, thereby avoiding a potential expulsion vote and removing the case from her official disciplinary record [1][2]. Her lawyer released a statement confirming the resignation and emphasizing her intent to cooperate with ongoing investigations. The council’s ethics committee announced it will still convene as planned, despite her withdrawal [1].
Alleged 100 Million‑Won Bribe Linked to Party Nomination Police investigations focus on Kim’s payment of 100 million won (≈US$69,300) to former Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sun‑woo, now an independent, intended to secure the DP’s nomination for her council seat in the 2022 local elections [1][2]. A leaked audio clip captured Kang discussing the money with then‑DP Rep. Kim Byung‑kee, prompting Kim Byung‑kee’s resignation as party floor leader the following day [1][2]. Both articles describe the payment as a violation of ethical duties and a “controversial offering” that triggered the broader scandal.
Separate Probe Expands Scope to 2023 By‑Election Bribery Authorities have opened an additional investigation into allegations that Kim conspired to bribe officials to obtain a nomination for the 2023 Seoul district‑chief by‑election [1][2]. The People Power Party (PPP) councilors condemned Kim’s resignation as “cowardly,” demanding an arrest warrant and an apology from the Democratic Party on behalf of Seoul residents [1]. Kim’s own statement expressed “heavy responsibility,” pledged full cooperation, and accepted any legal punishment matching her wrongdoing [2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: Seoul Councilor Kim Kyung Resigns Amid Bribery Probe: details resignation timing, PPP condemnation, and ethics committee proceeding despite her withdrawal .
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[2]
Yonhap: Seoul Councilor Kim Kyung Resigns Amid Bribery Probe: highlights Kim’s admission of ethical breach, pledge to cooperate, and separate probe into 2023 by‑election bribery .
Timeline
2022 – Kim Kyung allegedly gives Rep. Kang Sun‑woo 100 million won (≈US$69,300) to secure the Democratic Party’s nomination for her Seoul council seat in the 2022 local elections, a payment later described as a “controversial offering” that breaches public‑official ethics[1].
2023 – Police open a separate investigation into claims that Kim conspired to bribe officials to obtain a nomination for the 2023 Seoul district‑office‑chief by‑election, expanding the scandal’s scope[1].
Dec 2025 (end of month) – A leaked audio clip surfaces showing Rep. Kang discussing the 100 million‑won payment with then‑DP lawmaker Kim Byung‑kee, triggering public outrage and prompting further inquiries[1].
Early Jan 2026 – Following the leak, Rep. Kim Byung‑kee resigns as the Democratic Party’s floor leader, taking responsibility for the misconduct allegations tied to the recording[1].
Jan 26, 2026 – Councilor Kim Kyung submits her resignation letter to the chair of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, announcing she will step down before the scheduled ethics hearing and stating she feels “heavy responsibility for having failed to uphold the ethical duties of a public official”[2].
Jan 26, 2026 – Members of the opposition People Power Party denounce Kim’s resignation as “cowardly,” demand an arrest warrant, a thorough investigation, and an apology from the Democratic Party on behalf of Seoul residents[1].
Jan 26, 2026 – Kim pledges to “faithfully comply with all investigations, uncover the truth and receive the legal punishment matching her wrongdoing,” emphasizing her willingness to accept accountability[2].
Jan 27, 2026 (5 p.m.) – The Seoul Metropolitan Council’s ethics committee proceeds with the disciplinary session that would have considered expulsion, holding the meeting as planned despite Kim’s resignation[1].