Police on Thursday requested arrest warrants for lawmaker Kang Sun-woo and former Seoul city councilor Kim Kyung over a bribery scandal tied to the 2022 local elections. Kim is accused of offering 100 million won to Kang in exchange for a Democratic Party nomination, while Kang admits receiving a shopping bag but denies knowing it contained cash. The scandal emerged late last year from a disclosed recording.
On February 5, 2026, police requested arrest warrants for independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, formerly of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Kyung, a former Seoul city councilor, in a bribery case connected to the 2022 local elections. Kim is accused of giving Kang 100 million won ($68,500) in exchange for a Democratic Party nomination for her council seat.
Kang acknowledged receiving a shopping bag from Kim but denied any knowledge of its cash contents. Police charged Kang with acceptance of bribes in breach of trust, determining that party nominations constitute internal affairs rather than public duties, and Kim with giving such bribes. These offenses carry maximum penalties of four years and 18 months in prison, respectively—lighter than the 10-year and 3.5-year maximums under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. Authorities plan to reassess the heavier charges before forwarding the case to prosecutors.
Both face additional charges under the Political Funds Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. The scandal surfaced late last year via a recording of Kang discussing the money with former Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-ki. Kim fled to the United States amid suspicions but returned last month for questioning. The probe into Kang began after her expulsion from the party, prompting accusations of police foot-dragging.
Typically, courts hold hearings within three days of a warrant request to decide issuance. As a sitting lawmaker, Kang enjoys immunity during sessions, requiring National Assembly approval by a majority vote from a quorum of members.
