Lawmaker Kang Sun-woo released on bail in W100m nomination bribe case, denies charges

Independent Rep. Kang Sun-woo and former Seoul city council member Kim Kyung, both indicted on charges of exchanging 100 million won ($72,200) as a nomination bribe, were released on bail Tuesday ahead of their first-instance verdict.

Seoul Central District Court Judge Lee Chun-geun granted bail to Kang and Kim, who had been held in custody during their trial on charges of violating the Political Funds Act.

The court imposed conditions including residential restrictions, a pledge not to leave the country, reporting to a probation office, electronic monitoring, and a requirement to obtain prior approval before leaving their place of residence.

Leaving Seoul Detention Center that afternoon, Kang apologized for causing concern but flatly denied the allegations. "As I have consistently stated throughout the trial, backed by objective evidence, I have never received any money," she said.

She added that she would "humbly await the court's judgment." When asked about a separate "split donations" charge prosecutors had additionally filed against her, she deflected, saying, "Have a good holiday." Kim, released alongside Kang, left without answering reporters' questions.

Kang is accused of receiving 100 million won from Kim in exchange for securing a Seoul city council nomination ahead of the June 2022 local elections; Kim faces charges of having paid the money. The two were indicted and taken into custody on March 27 and were released Tuesday, four days before their detention period was set to expire on Saturday.

At the closing arguments hearing held Wednesday, prosecutors sought four years in prison and a forfeiture of 100 million won against Kang, and two years in prison against Kim. The first-instance sentencing for both is scheduled for Oct. 14.