While a "1 billion won nomination bribe allegation" surrounding independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo is currently investigating, the lawmaker's former secretary-general, considered a key figure, returned to police for questioning on the afternoon of the 18th. This followed the third summons of Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Kyung, who handed money and valuables to Kang, and was an additional summons.
The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Major Crime Investigation Division has been questioning a person surnamed Nam, who served as Kang's aide and secretary-general, as a suspect since 7 p.m. that day. It is the second consecutive day of summons and the third round of questioning.
Kim is also undergoing a third round of questioning at the headquarters now. As their statements conflict and the "battle for the truth" continues, police are said to be leaving open the possibility of a face-to-face cross-examination. However, there is also speculation that a cross-examination could be affected by variables because suspects can refuse or exercise the right to remain silent.
In prior questioning, Kim has argued that it was Nam who first proposed "nomination donations" for Kang. While considering where to run in the 2022 local elections, Nam explained Kang's situation and demanded "one sheet" as the amount.
But Nam is said to have been unaware of this situation. Although Nam met Kim together with Kang, Nam claims not to have known that money changed hands because Nam briefly stepped away. Nam says that afterward, only at Kang's direction did Nam move an unidentified item to a car.
With Kang's questioning scheduled for the 20th, police are expected to first sort out the battle for the truth between Kim and Nam. In this context, Kang argues that the money transaction was solely between Kim and Nam, and that Kang was briefed after the fact and immediately ordered the money returned.
All three are giving statements most favorable to their positions to avoid punishment or reduce its severity. If Kang admits to accepting bribes, a serious charge under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes is expected. Kim could face aggravated punishment even if Kim handed over the money, as it constitutes a bribe in return for a nomination. In addition, Nam could be punished as an accomplice for playing a middleman role in soliciting and delivering illicit funds.
Meanwhile, upon arriving at the headquarters around 10 a.m., Kim met with reporters and said, "There is an excessive amount of testimony I did not give and speculative reporting. I personally find it regrettable," adding, "I am faithfully cooperating with the investigation. I am approaching this with a sense of responsibility. Please wait for the results. I am repeatedly sorry."
However, Kim did not answer when asked which testimony and reports were speculative. Some point out that a suspect who provided a 1 billion won bribe, whose signs of fleeing abroad and destroying evidence have emerged, is instead blaming the media.
Earlier, as the police investigation began, Kim abruptly left for the United States in what appeared to be a flight, deleted information by leaving and rejoining Telegram, and was suspected of even changing and discarding a mobile phone. Kim has since acknowledged delivering 1 billion won to Kang but has denied it was in return for a nomination.