Police Question Former Aide as DP Lawmaker Bribery Probe Expands to US‑Based Councilor
Updated (4 articles)
Police Interrogate Ex‑Aide Over Alleged 100 Million‑Won Bribe Police brought the former aide of Rep. Kang Sun‑woo in for questioning, naming him a suspect in a scheme that allegedly paid 100 million won ahead of the 2022 local elections; investigators will examine whether city councilor Kim Kyung handed over the cash, whether Kang ordered its return, and if the money was returned [1]. The ex‑aide has denied any knowledge of the handover, while police continue to trace the transaction’s path through the aide [1].
Kang Sun‑Woo Leaves Democratic Party Amid Expulsion and Investigation Kang announced her departure from the Democratic Party on Jan 1, prompting the party to formally expel her the next day and announce disciplinary action against her [2][3][4]. She pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation despite no longer being a party member [3][4]. The opposition People Power Party demanded a special counsel to examine the case, arguing that the allegations threaten democratic integrity [2].
Audio Recording Links Kang to Nomination Committee Official local media outlet released an audio clip showing Kang discussing the alleged payment with Rep. Kim Byung‑kee, who served as secretary of the DP’s Seoul nomination committee at the time [2][3][4]. The recording spurred Kim’s resignation from the party’s floor leadership and intensified scrutiny of the DP’s nomination process [2][3][4]. Both the audio and the subsequent resignations have become focal points in the broader corruption inquiry.
Councilor Kim Kyung Flees to United States After Police Complaint Following the police complaint, councilor Kim Kyung traveled to the United States, stating she will return home soon [1]. Her departure adds an international dimension to the investigation, as authorities seek to determine her role in the alleged 100 million‑won transfer [1]. Police plan to question her about the cash handover and any possible return of the funds [1].
Sources (4 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: Police question ex‑aide of lawmaker over bribery allegations surrounding ruling party: details police interrogation of the former aide, the 100 million‑won allegation, Kang’s recent party exit, and councilor Kim Kyung’s flight to the U.S.
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[2]
Yonhap: Opposition presses for special counsel over bribery allegations surrounding DP lawmaker: reports DP’s expulsion of Kang, PPP’s call for a special counsel, and the audio recording that tied Kang to nomination‑committee official Kim Byung‑kee.
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[3]
Yonhap: DP lawmaker Kang Sun‑woo quits party over bribery allegations: covers Kang’s resignation, the police investigation launched after an opposition complaint, the audio evidence, and her pledge to cooperate.
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[4]
Yonhap: DP lawmaker Kang Sun‑woo quits Democratic Party amid bribery allegations: repeats Kang’s departure, the 100 million‑won claim, police probe, audio link to Kim Byung‑kee, and her cooperation promise.
Timeline
Jan 1, 2026 – Kang Sun‑woo announces on Facebook that she leaves the Democratic Party because she has become a burden; police open a bribery probe after opposition lawmakers file a complaint, targeting a alleged 100 million‑won payment routed through her aide during the June 2022 local elections; a leaked audio shows Kang discussing the matter with Rep. Kim Byung‑kee, leading Kim to resign from the party’s floor leadership; the DP moves to expel Kang and orders its ethics committee to discipline Kim, while Kang states, “I will cooperate fully with the investigation.” [3][4]
Jan 2, 2026 – The Democratic Party formally expels Kang Sun‑woo hours after her resignation, signaling a hard‑line stance; PPP senior floor spokesperson Choi Eun‑seok demands a special counsel, warning that “payments‑for‑nominations … could undermine trust in our democratic nomination and election procedures,” and frames the case as a test of anti‑corruption commitment. [2]
Jan 6, 2026 – Seoul police interrogate the former aide suspected of handling the 100 million‑won cash, who denies any knowledge; investigators examine whether city councilor Kim Kyung delivered the money, ordered its return, and actually returned it, noting that Kim has traveled to the United States after a police complaint; a new audio clip again links Kang to a DP nomination‑committee official, deepening scrutiny of the party’s internal processes. [1]
June 2022 – South Korea holds its nationwide local elections, during which the alleged 100 million‑won payment is said to have been offered in exchange for a Democratic Party nomination, providing the backdrop for the 2026 bribery investigation and ensuing political fallout. [2][3][4]