Democratic Party Launches Internal Probe Amidst Bribery Allegations
The Democratic Party of Korea has initiated a party-level fact-finding investigation into serious allegations that one of its lawmakers, Kang Sun-woo, accepted gifts valued at 100 million Korean won (approximately $75,000 USD) from a Seoul city council candidate during the 2022 local elections. The probe was ordered by Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Chung-rae on the 30th, signaling a swift response to the unfolding controversy.
Park Soo-hyun, the Senior Spokesperson for the Democratic Party, confirmed the party’s actions. “Regarding Rep. Kang Sun-woo, Rep. Jung Chung-rae instructed the ethics inspection team to conduct a fact-finding investigation in the morning on the 30th and shared this information with the Supreme Council members,” Park stated. The spokesperson further clarified that Kim Kyung, the Seoul city council member candidate accused of providing the alleged gifts, will be an integral part of the ongoing investigation.
However, Park Soo-hyun was careful to distinguish this investigation from another matter involving Floor Leader Kim Byung-kee. “It is a separate issue,” the spokesperson noted, drawing a clear line between the two situations. This distinction comes in the wake of media reports detailing an audio recording where Rep. Kang Sun-woo reportedly discussed receiving 100 million Korean won from Kim Kyung, who was seeking a party nomination. The recording also allegedly implicated Kim Byung-kee, then serving as the secretary for the Nomination Management Committee, in discussions related to the matter.
Adding further momentum to the developing situation, former Gangseo District Mayor Kim Tae-woo announced on the same day that he has filed formal complaints. These complaints target Rep. Kang Sun-woo for alleged special bribery and illegal political fund receipt, and Floor Leader Kim Byung-kee for obstruction of business by fraud. Kim Tae-woo strongly emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry, stating, “A thorough investigation must be conducted, and those who violated the law must be punished accordingly.”
In response to the mounting accusations, Rep. Kang Sun-woo issued a statement via Facebook to clarify her position. She emphatically denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I clearly state that there is absolutely no fact that I promised nominations and received money.” Kang explained that she was aware of the issue during the 2022 local elections and took immediate action. “I was aware of the issue and immediately reported it to the Nomination Management Committee secretary. I reported it again the next morning and instructed an immediate return,” she added, indicating that any funds or gifts were promptly returned.
Kim Kyung, the Seoul city council member candidate at the center of the allegations, also took to Facebook to address the claims. “I clearly state that I have never provided any gifts to anyone in exchange for nominations,” Kim asserted. Kim Kyung further stated that their nomination was secured through the party’s rigorous review process. “During the 2022 local elections, I received my nomination after undergoing the party’s strict review process,” Kim Kyung explained, reinforcing that the nomination was legitimate and not influenced by any illicit exchanges.
The internal investigation by the Democratic Party is expected to delve into the details of the audio recording and any related financial transactions. The outcome of this probe will be crucial in determining the party’s next steps and upholding its commitment to transparency and ethical conduct among its elected officials. The allegations have cast a shadow over the party, and the thoroughness of the investigation will be closely watched by the public and political observers alike.
