Seoul Police Seek Arrest Warrants for Kang Sun‑woo, Kim Kyung in Election Bribery Case
Updated (2 articles)
Police File Arrest Warrant Requests on February 5, 2026 Seoul police formally asked a court to issue arrest warrants for independent lawmaker Kang Sun‑woo and former Seoul councilor Kim Kyung on Feb. 5, 2026, accusing them of participating in a bribery scheme linked to the 2022 local elections [1][2].
Alleged 100 Million‑Won Bribe Tied to 2022 Democratic Nomination Prosecutors allege Kim offered Kang 100 million won (≈ US$68,500‑$69,300) to secure a Democratic Party nomination for a council seat ahead of the 2022 Seoul city‑council race [1][2]. The payment was intended to influence the party’s endorsement process, a key step for winning office [1][2].
Kang Sun‑woo’s Immunity Requires National Assembly Vote As a sitting member of the National Assembly, Kang cannot be detained while the legislature sits; a majority of lawmakers must approve her arrest, creating a procedural hurdle [1]. Kang acknowledged receiving a shopping bag from Kim but denied knowledge that it contained cash, prompting police to consider charging her with breach of trust rather than aggravated bribery [1].
Charges Include Breach‑of‑Trust, Political Funds and Graft Violations Both officials face accusations under the Political Funds Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, expanding their legal exposure [1]. Kang could receive up to four years imprisonment, while Kim faces a maximum of 18 months, though police may later pursue the heavier aggravated‑bribery charge [1].
Sources
-
1.
Yonhap: Police Seek Arrest Warrants for Lawmaker Kang Sun‑woo and Ex‑Councilor Kim Kyung in Bribery Probe – details the warrant request, the 100 million‑won payment, Kang’s admission of receiving a bag, specific charge options, potential penalties, and the need for a National Assembly vote to detain her .
-
2.
Yonhap: Police Seek Arrest Warrants for Lawmaker and Ex‑Councilor in 2022 Election Bribery Case – emphasizes the Feb. 5, 2026 warrant request, the link between the bribe and the 2022 Democratic Party nomination, and frames the development as the latest step in the election‑corruption investigation .
Timeline
2022 – Seoul holds its city‑council elections, and securing a Democratic Party (DP) nomination proves essential for candidates seeking council seats [2].
2022 (pre‑election) – Former councilor Kim Kyung offers Kang Sun‑woo 100 million won (≈US$68,500) to obtain the DP nomination for a council seat, a transaction later exposed by a leaked audio recording [1][2].
2022 (post‑election) – The leaked recording of Kim’s offer triggers a police investigation into alleged election‑related bribery [1].
Feb 5, 2026 – Seoul police formally request a court to issue arrest warrants for Rep. Kang Sun‑woo and ex‑councilor Kim Kyung, accusing them of participating in the 2022 bribery scheme [1][2].
Feb 5, 2026 – Police allege Kim hands Kang a shopping bag containing the 100 million won; Kang admits receiving the bag but claims she did not know it held cash [1].
Feb 5, 2026 – Prosecutors charge Kang with breach of trust (punishable by up to four years’ imprisonment) and Kim with breach of trust (up to 18 months), noting these penalties are lighter than those for aggravated bribery [1].
Feb 5, 2026 – Both women also face charges under the Political Funds Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, broadening their legal exposure [1].
Feb 5, 2026 – Because Kang is a sitting lawmaker, parliamentary immunity blocks her detention; a majority vote in the National Assembly is required to approve any arrest [1].
Feb 5, 2026 – Police indicate they may still pursue aggravated‑bribery charges before prosecution, which could raise Kang’s maximum penalty to ten years in prison [1].