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๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Elections & Politics

Lawmakers sent to prosecutors over alleged illegal political donations

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • South Korean lawmakers Kang Sun-woo and Kim Kyung have been sent to prosecutors over allegations of "split funding" violations.
  • The charges follow their indictment in March for allegedly receiving 100 million won in "nomination funds."
  • Kang is accused of receiving approximately 130 million won through proxy donations after returning 100 million won received earlier from Kim.

South Korean lawmakers Kang Sun-woo and Kim Kyung have been transferred to prosecutors amid allegations of violating political funding laws through "split funding" schemes. This development comes approximately three months after both were indicted on charges related to a 100 million won "nomination fund."

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Division reported on June 12 that Kang and Kim were sent to the prosecution on June 10 for alleged violations of the Political Funds Act. Kang, an independent lawmaker formerly with the Democratic Party, is accused of receiving around 130 million won through multiple proxy donations. This allegedly occurred after she returned 100 million won to Kim, a former Seoul city council member, in August 2022, which she had received prior to the January 2022 local elections.

If bail is granted, I will faithfully abide by all conditions and follow them.

โ€” Kang Sun-wooIndependent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo's plea during her bail hearing.

Both Kang and Kim are already facing trial after being indicted on March 27. Their charges include violations of the Political Funds Act, bribery, and breaches of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, stemming from the 100 million won nomination fund allegations. The current "split funding" allegations represent a new layer of legal scrutiny.

Meanwhile, a bail hearing for Kang Sun-woo was held at the Seoul Central District Court. During the hearing, Kang reportedly pleaded for bail, promising to adhere to any conditions and expressing a desire to establish the truth and participate diligently in the trial while released from custody.

Please consider granting bail so that I can establish the truth clearly and diligently participate in the trial.

โ€” Kang Sun-wooIndependent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo's plea during her bail hearing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.