Police Conduct First Investigation of Kang Sunwoo After Arrest for "Nomination Funds"

Kang Sunwoo, an independent assembly member who is under suspicion of receiving approximately 100 million won in "nomination funds" from former Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung, is undergoing his first investigation following his arrest.

Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo is attending the pretrial detention hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd. Photo by Yonhap News

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According to the police on March 7, the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency began questioning Assemblyman Kang from 10 a.m. this morning on charges of violating the Political Funds Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. This is the first investigation in four days since his arrest on March 3.

Kang and former council member Kim are accused of exchanging 100 million won at a hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, in January 2022, five months before the local elections. Specifically, both are charged with violating the Political Funds Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. Additionally, Kang faces charges of breach of trust and acceptance of bribes, while Kim is charged with breach of trust and giving bribes.

Former council member Kim has largely admitted to the charges, including submitting a written confession. However, Kang has denied the allegations, stating that while he did receive a shopping bag, he was unaware it contained money, and that he returned everything once he realized it was cash.

The police believe that Kang granted Kim a sole nomination and used the 100 million won he received in return as a deposit for a rental home. This amount has been deemed criminal proceeds, and the police have applied for a pre-indictment asset seizure.

The police are also investigating allegations that Kang received "split donations" from Kim. As the case must be referred to the prosecution within ten days of his arrest, the police plan to focus the remaining time on clarifying the facts.

On March 5, the police conducted their first investigation of former council member Kim following his arrest.

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