Bribery in the Ballot? Police Probe $69,100 Allegation in Kang Sun-woo Nomination Case

Can a political nomination be bought for 100 million won? This question sits at the center of a growing scandal involving Rep. Kang Sun-woo, whose former aide was summoned for questioning by South Korean authorities this week.

The Kang Sun-woo Nomination Bribery Probe Intensifies

South Korean police are investigating allegations that a former aide to Rep. Kang Sun-woo accepted 100 million won (approx. $69,100) in exchange for a party nomination during the 2022 local elections. According to Yonhap News, the National Police Agency's public crime investigation team brought the individual in as a suspect after Kang resigned from the Democratic Party (DP) last week.

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The investigation gained momentum after a local media outlet released audio recordings of Kang discussing the situation with Rep. Kim Byung-kee, who served as the secretary of the DP's Seoul nomination committee at the time. While the former aide reportedly denies any knowledge of the transaction, police are focusing on whether the cash was actually delivered and if there were orders to return it.

Current Status of Key Suspects

The Seoul city councilor accused of providing the bribe, Kim Kyung, recently departed for the United States following the police complaint. However, she has notified authorities that she intends to return to South Korea promptly to cooperate with the probe. Meanwhile, Kang remains under scrutiny as the investigation expands into broader party practices.