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A member of the Democratic Party of Korea, Jung Chung-rae, initiated a party-level fact-finding inquiry on the 30th concerning claims that another party member, Kang Sun-woo, accepted gifts valued at 100 million South Korean won from a Seoul city council candidate during the 2022 local elections.

On the same day, Park Soo-hyun, a senior representative of the Democratic Party, said, “Concerning Rep. Kang Sun-woo, Rep. Jung Chung-rae directed the ethics review team to carry out an investigative inquiry on the morning of the 30th and shared this information with members of the Supreme Council.” With regard to Kim Kyung, a Seoul city council member accused of giving gifts to Kang, the spokesperson added, “He will naturally be part of the investigation process.”

However, the representative drew a boundary concerning the ethical inquiry into Floor Leader Kim Byung-kee, saying, “It is a separate matter.” The day before, media outlets reported an audio clip where Kang mentioned receiving 100 million South Korean won from Kim Kyung, who had sought a party nomination, and seeking advice from then-Secretary of the Nomination Management Committee Kim Byung-kee, the present floor leader.

Former Gangseo District Mayor Kim Tae-woo made the announcement on the same day, stating, “I have submitted complaints against Kang for receiving special bribes and illegal political funds, as well as against Floor Leader Kim Byung-kee for obstructing business through fraud.” Kim highlighted, “A comprehensive investigation needs to take place, and those who broke the law should be appropriately punished.”

Previously, Kang explained via a Facebook update, “I clearly mentioned that there is no truth to the claim that I promised nominations in exchange for money. During the 2022 local elections, I was aware of the situation and promptly informed the secretary of the Nomination Management Committee. I brought it up again the following morning and ordered an immediate refund.”

Kim Kyung, a member of the Seoul City Council, also shared on Facebook, “I firmly assert that I have never given any gifts to anyone in return for nominations. For the 2022 local elections, I obtained my nomination following the party’s rigorous evaluation process.”