Political Donation Dispute: Former Council Member Expresses Regret Over Conflicting Testimonies
A former Seoul City Council member, Kim Kyung, who is currently facing a pre-arrest hearing over allegations of a “nomination donation,” has voiced regret over what she describes as “claims inconsistent with the facts” made by the side of Representative Kang Sun-woo. This statement highlights the growing tension and divergence in their testimonies concerning a purported 100 million Korean won donation, a central point of contention in the ongoing investigation.
Kim’s legal representatives issued a statement on the 12th, indicating a strategic decision to refrain from engaging in a “wasteful battle over the truth” by directly refuting each claim made by Rep. Kang’s camp. Instead, they have opted to allow the legal process to unfold.
The statement emphasized that Kim has already provided a full account of her knowledge to the investigative authorities, accompanied by supporting evidence. The hope is that this approach will put an end to unproductive public debate and allow for the truth to be unequivocally established through an impartial judicial judgment.
Kim herself has asserted that she has “nothing left to hide, nor any reason to hide.” She further pledged her full cooperation, stating, “If there are insufficient parts during the investigation or trial process, I will faithfully explain them and accept responsibility accordingly.”
The core of the dispute lies in the conflicting narratives surrounding a significant financial transaction. During previous police interrogations, both Kim and Kang presented starkly different versions of events related to the alleged 100 million Korean won donation, which is said to have occurred before the 2022 local elections.
- Kim’s Account: Kim maintains that it was Kang’s side that initiated the meeting and specified the exact sum of money.
- Kang’s Account: Conversely, Kang claims that she was unaware of the cash contained within a shopping bag presented by Kim until later, and that she subsequently returned the funds.
The discrepancies extend to allegations concerning a nomination donation linked to the Seoul Gangseo District Mayor by-election held in October 2023. Investigations suggest that Kim allegedly attempted to deliver shopping bags filled with cash on two separate occasions between June and September 2023, purportedly at Kang’s request. However, Kang’s testimony indicates that she either refused these offerings or returned them on the very same days they were presented.
Legal Proceedings Advance Amidst Allegations
In parallel with these conflicting testimonies, the legal ramifications are escalating. On the 9th, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office formally requested bench warrants for both Kang and Kim. The charges they face include violations of the Political Funds Act, breach of trust, and bribery.
The warrant review for Kim is anticipated to proceed as early as this week. For Representative Kang, who currently holds a seat in the National Assembly and benefits from parliamentary immunity, any potential arrest would require the approval of an arrest motion by the legislative body before a warrant review can take place. This procedural step underscores the complex legal landscape surrounding allegations against sitting lawmakers. The unfolding investigation promises to bring further scrutiny to the intricate details of political funding and donation practices.
