A former aide to ex-Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kang Sun-woo appeared before police on Saturday for a second round of questioning in a bribery case linked to the 2022 local elections. The aide is accused of receiving over 100 million won from Seoul city councilor Kim Kyoung in exchange for her nomination. Kang recently quit the party amid the allegations.
On January 17, 2026, a former aide to ex-Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, surnamed Nam, appeared at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for a second round of questioning over bribery allegations. He arrived at 9:49 a.m., 11 days after his initial interrogation. Nam covered his face with the hood of his windbreaker and declined to answer reporters' questions.
The case stems from events ahead of the 2022 local elections. Nam is accused of receiving more than 100 million won ($68,170) in cash from Seoul city councilor Kim Kyoung in exchange for supporting her nomination. During the first questioning, Nam admitted to meeting Kim with Kang but denied receiving the cash, claiming he was not present for the transfer. He said he later moved an unspecified "item" into the trunk of Kang's car without knowing it contained money.
In contrast, Kim stated in a police submission that she personally handed the cash to Kang at a cafe before the elections. Kang has countered that she only learned of the aide's acceptance of the money belatedly and instructed him to return it. Kang recently resigned from the Democratic Party following the emergence of the allegations.
Police plan to summon Kang for questioning on Tuesday. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in South Korean politics, with further developments expected based on the investigation's outcome.
