Former Seoul council member admits giving money to DP lawmaker in exchange for party nomination
Published: 29 Apr. 2026, 15:55
Updated: 29 Apr. 2026, 17:34
![This composite file photo shows former Seoul city councilor Kim Kyung, right, and Rep. Kang Sun-woo. [YONHAP]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2026/04/29/4a60548c-988e-4fa6-b2f1-7c2311735809.jpg)
This composite file photo shows former Seoul city councilor Kim Kyung, right, and Rep. Kang Sun-woo. [YONHAP]
Former Seoul city councilor Kim Kyung admitted in her first trial Wednesday to giving 100 million won ($67,700) to former Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Kang Sun-woo for a party nomination ahead of the 2022 local elections.
At the Seoul Central District Court trial, Kim's lawyers admitted the charges but said they may contest the prosecution's further claims of breach of trust and bribery.
Kang's former aide, surnamed Nam, who arranged her meeting with Kim, also admitted to the charges.
Kang's lawyers said they will state their position at the next hearing after reviewing all records.
All three defendants appeared in court on Wednesday. The next hearing is set for May 29.
Kang and Kim were arrested and indicted last month on charges of accepting and giving bribes during their meeting at a hotel in Seoul's Yongsan district in January 2022. Kim was subsequently elected to the Seoul Metropolitan Council after being nominated by the DP.
Kang left the DP to become an independent in January this year, while Kim resigned from the council.
Yonhap
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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