Police are also expected to investigate allegations that Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung, who is accused of handing over 100 million won to lawmaker Kang Sun-woo in exchange for a nomination, additionally provided money or valuables to two other people.
According to the National Election Commission on the 21st, the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission transferred investigative materials to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 19th. It is said to contain a complaint alleging that the city council member Kim provided money or valuables to a politician. Earlier, the election commission reportedly received a report that Kim handed over money or valuables ahead of the 2023 Gangseo District mayoral by-election.
The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is currently investigating the city council member Kim on charges including bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, violations of the Political Funds Act, and violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. Kim is accused of handing over 100 million won to lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, who at the time was a nomination committee member of the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul chapter ahead of the 2022 local elections, and then getting it back.
Police summoned lawmaker Kang for the first time the previous day and questioned her overnight for nearly 21 hours. Police were said to have pressed Kang on whether it was true she received 100 million won from the city council member Kim and whether Kang was present when the money changed hands.
As police have questioned key suspects including the city council member Kim, lawmaker Kang, and a person surnamed Nam, Kang's former chief of staff, they are expected to decide whether to seek custody. The possibility of a three-way face-to-face interrogation or additional summons also remains open.