Third Summons of Kim Kyung Deepens Battle Over Truth in ‘Nomination Donation’ Case...Kang Sun-woo to Be Questioned on the 20th [Comprehensive]

[The Financial News] As conflicting statements continue over the allegation of a “100 million won nomination donation,” police are accelerating their investigation by summoning those involved for lengthy questioning even over the weekend. With the accounts of Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Kyung, independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, and Kang’s former aide diverging, investigators are focusing on analyzing seized materials and checking communication records in parallel to clarify how the cash was delivered and who was involved.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Metropolitan Investigation Unit’s Public Crime Investigation Unit summoned Kim on the 18th for questioning as a suspect. Before entering, Kim said, “I would like to once again apologize to the people,” adding, “I personally find it regrettable that statements I did not make and speculative reports seem to be rampant.” She continued, “I am faithfully cooperating with the investigation and responding with a sense of responsibility,” and asked, “Please wait for the results.” However, she did not answer questions about how the alleged nomination donation was proposed or the circumstances at the time the cash was delivered.
Police are focusing on how the 100 million won was delivered and whether Kang was aware of or involved in it. In earlier questioning, Kim is said to have testified that ahead of the 2022 local elections, Kang’s former aide, identified only by the surname Nam, first arranged a meeting and proposed the delivery of a nomination donation, and that the amount of 100 million won was also initially set by Nam’s side. Kim is also reported to have claimed that during a meeting attended by herself, Kang, and Nam, she personally handed the cash to Kang while Nam briefly stepped away.
Nam, on the other hand, is reported to have acknowledged meeting Kim together with Kang, but maintains that he was unaware any money changed hands while he was briefly away, and that he merely moved the “item” to a vehicle afterward on Kang’s instructions. Kang has likewise consistently stated, “I have never received any money,” explaining that she was briefed by Nam only after the fact, ordered the money returned, and that the return was carried out.

With the key figures in the case giving conflicting accounts, police are concentrating their investigative resources on assessing the credibility of each statement. Based on the testimony obtained from questioning Kim and Nam, investigators are said to be cross-checking communication records, movement logs, and seized materials. Using this, they plan to determine whether Kang was present when the cash was delivered and when she became aware of it afterward.
Police have notified Kang’s side to appear for questioning on the 20th. Investigators plan to press Kang on the circumstances at the time of the cash delivery and the entire process of the subsequent reporting and return. If necessary, they are also reported to be considering face-to-face cross-examinations between those involved.
Meanwhile, police are continuing to question those involved, including summoning Nam, Kang’s former aide, again the previous day for several hours of questioning. Investigators plan to synthesize the statements of Kim, Kang, and Nam to uncover the full truth behind the nomination donation allegations.
425_sama@fnnews.com Choi Seung-han Reporter