Kang Seon-woo’s Controversial 1 Billion Won Scandal: What’s Next for the Disgraced Politician?

On February 10th, it was revealed that Representative Kang Sun-woo, who was expelled from the Democratic Party of Korea due to allegations of a 100 million KRW (about 75,000 USD) nomination bribe, sent a letter to Democratic Party lawmakers. As prosecutors filed for an arrest warrant with the court, Kang sent an ‘appeal’ reiterating his denial of the charges, anticipating a vote on his arrest consent motion in the National Assembly. This move appears to be a calculated strategy, as the Democratic Party holds a majority in the Assembly, and their opposition could lead to the motion’s rejection.

◆Everything is my fault… Kang Sun-woo’s letter reveals details about the 100 million KRW (75,000 USD)

Political sources report that Kang sent a four-page letter to each Democratic Party lawmaker’s office on that day.

In the letter, Kang wrote, “I deeply apologize for causing concern. Everything is due to my shortcomings and mistakes.” He added, “However, 100 million KRW (75,000 USD) is not worth risking my political career or my life.”

Kang faced allegations of receiving a shopping bag containing 100 million KRW (75,000 USD) from former Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung in exchange for a party nomination before the local elections in June 2022. Both individuals are facing charges related to violations of political funding laws and bribery.

Regarding this, Kang explained, “My aide introduced me to Kim, saying he would recommend a good person.” He stated that the shopping bag, received as a customary gift, was stored untouched in his home storage room. Kang claimed that his habit of forgetting items led to the gift being overlooked.

According to the letter, Kang suggested during a Democratic Party Seoul City Council nomination committee meeting that they should find a young female candidate and run an impressive campaign, but received objections from Kim. Kang claimed he only learned that the shopping bag contained 100 million KRW (75,000 USD) afterward and immediately instructed his aide to return it.

Kang also denied allegations that he strongly advocated for Kim’s nomination in the committee meeting, despite Kim initially being deemed ineligible due to being a multiple homeowner, yet still receiving a single nomination.

He emphasized, “From an objective standpoint, I supported Candidate Kim, who scored significantly higher than other candidates. The decision was made through committee discussions and resolutions.”

◆Why did Kang Sun-woo appeal to his former party after being expelled?

Previously, Kang faced embarrassment when a recording surfaced late last year, in which he disclosed the 100 million KRW (75,000 USD) issue to Representative Kim Byeong-ki, then the committee secretary. The Democratic Party expelled Kang just four days after the recording was released, following his voluntary resignation.

At that time, Kim remarked, “It’s hard to believe such actions. He should have returned the money immediately or entrusted it to the secretary. If he was to be excluded from the nominations, he should have returned it then, but none of that happened.”

He further criticized, “It’s difficult for the public to understand that a regional aide was holding onto 100 million KRW (75,000 USD). This raises significant legal and moral concerns, as well as issues regarding the credibility of the nomination committee and the party.”

In response, Kang lamented, “I really had no thoughts about it. What should I do?” and pleaded, “Please help me, Representative.”

Political analysts interpret Kang’s letter as more of a plea for help rather than a straightforward apology. Given that a vote on the arrest consent motion is inevitable in the National Assembly, it implicitly requests that lawmakers vote against it.

For the court to hold a pre-arrest hearing for Kang, the National Assembly must achieve a majority attendance and approval for the arrest consent motion. Current law grants sitting members of the Assembly immunity from arrest, meaning they cannot be arrested or detained without the Assembly’s consent during a session, which is currently ongoing in February.

If most Democratic Party lawmakers, who hold a majority of seats in the Assembly, vote against the motion, it could potentially be rejected.

Meanwhile, on February 9th, prosecutors filed for an arrest warrant against Kang. The court sent a request for an arrest consent motion to the prosecutors on the afternoon of February 10th. The request is expected to reach the National Assembly, following presidential approval, as early as February 11th.