The first trial was held for independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo and former Seoul city council member Kim Kyung, who were indicted on charges of giving and receiving 1 billion won in nomination kickbacks. The former city council member's side admitted all the charges, while Kang's side pleaded unfairness.
The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 1 single-judge panel (presiding judge Lee Chun-geun, Director General judge) on the 29th opened the first trial for Kang, who was indicted on charges of violating the Political Funds Act, a district aide surnamed Nam, and the former city council member. The two were brought to trial last month while in detention. Because defendants are required to appear on a trial date, all three appeared in court.
The attorney for the former city council member said, "We admit all the charges," but added, "there is room for interpretation regarding the offense of receiving a breach-of-duty benefit." The attorney said they plan to cross-examine Kang and Nam. The former city council member also submitted a voluntary confession to police during the investigation stage. The side of Nam, Kang's former aide who linked the two to meet, also admitted the charges.
However, Kang's attorney said, "Kang is pleading unfairness," and said they would state their position at the next date. The attorney was retained only a few days ago, so the record review and defendant interview have not yet been properly conducted.
Kang and the former city council member are accused of giving and receiving 1 billion won in return for a nomination ahead of the 2022 8th nationwide local elections. At the time, Kang served as a member of the Democratic Party's Seoul city council candidate nomination management committee. After handing over the money, the former city council member received a single nomination in Gangseo District, Kang's constituency, and was elected.
The next court date was set for May 29.