Gang Sun-woo faces 1st District Court verdict over alleged campaign funding
Independent lawmaker Gang Sun-woo faces her first-instance court ruling at the Seoul Central District Court on Dec. 14 regarding accusations that she accepted 100 million won in illegal campaign contributions from a former local council member. Prosecutors previously asked the court to sentence Gang to four years in prison and impose a 100 million won forfeiture, Yonhap News TV reported.
Investigators state that former Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung delivered the cash inside a shopping bag in exchange for a nomination, and that the funds went toward a lease deposit for Gang’s apartment. During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors argued that Gang treated the nomination process as a financial transaction and damaged public trust in politics.
Three defendants face contrasting penalties and pleas
Prosecutors requested a two-year prison sentence for Kim Kyung and a one-year term for Nam, a congressional aide identified as the person who directly collected the shopping bag containing the cash. Gang was released on bail on Nov. 22 ahead of her detention limit expiration and will attend the hearing without being detained.
The defendants presented sharply contrasting defenses during the trial proceedings. While Kim Kyung and Nam acknowledged the criminal acts and asked the court for leniency, Gang denied taking any money. At the time the funds allegedly changed hands, Gang served on the nomination committee for Democratic Party candidates in Seoul. Kim Kyung ultimately received a single-candidate nomination for Gang’s home district of Gangseo and won the election.
Tears and denials mark the final statements
During her final statement, Gang fought back tears while denying the allegations. She apologized for causing public concern due to what she termed her aide’s deviation, but maintained that she never accepted any funds. Regarding her initial admission during the early stages of the investigation, Gang argued that pressure from investigative agencies left her confused.
Aside from the current judgment, Gang and Kim face separate charges involving 130 million won in split political donations. The first hearing for that distinct case is scheduled for later this month.
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