Police have begun investigating Rep. Kang Sun-woo of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea over allegations of receiving 100 million won ($69,400) from a Seoul city councilor. The case, filed by opposition lawmakers, involves the money allegedly passed through an aide during the 2022 regional elections. It has drawn attention recently due to discussions between Kang and Rep. Kim Byung-kee, who faces his own misconduct allegations.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's public crime investigation team has taken up the case following a complaint filed by opposition lawmakers against Rep. Kang Sun-woo and the Seoul city councilor on bribery charges. Kang is accused of receiving the 100 million won through an aide during the 2022 regional elections.
The matter gained renewed attention after it emerged that Kang had discussed it with Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the same party, who is currently facing allegations of misconduct. Kim resigned from his position as the ruling party's floor leader on Tuesday amid claims of receiving preferential treatment and abusing power.
Separately, police plan to question an activist later on Wednesday who alleged that Kim met Park Dae-jun, then CEO of Coupang Corp., in September to influence hiring decisions for his former aide at the company. These developments highlight ongoing corruption concerns within the Democratic Party of Korea.
