Kang Sunwoo's Side Pleads for Bail in '100 Million Won Nomination Bribe' Case: "No Risk of Flight as a Well-Known Politician"... Tearful Appeal

Kang Sunwoo: "Please Allow Me to Stand Trial Without Detention"
Emphasizes the Need for Conditional Release
Sheds Tears When Mention of His Child Is Made

Kang Sunwoo, an independent assemblyman who was indicted and detained on charges of receiving a 100 million won nomination bribe, pleaded at a bail hearing held on June 12, asking, "Please allow me to faithfully attend trial without detention." Assemblyman Kang was seen in tears when comments were made regarding his child.

Assemblyman Kang Sunwoo appearing for the detention hearing. Photo by Yonhap News

On the afternoon of the same day, Judge Lee Chungeun of the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 1 held a bail hearing for Assemblyman Kang, who has been indicted on charges including violations of the Political Funds Act.

Assemblyman Kang had filed for bail earlier, on June 2. Bail is a judicial system that releases a detained defendant under certain conditions, such as posting a specified bond.

In his direct statement during the hearing, Assemblyman Kang said, "If bail is granted, I will comply with any conditions," adding, "I sincerely ask for your understanding so that I may clearly reveal the truth and faithfully attend my trial without detention."

Kang's attorney argued, "The defendant (Assemblyman Kang) has a daughter with severe disabilities and a family to care for, and as a well-known politician recognized wherever he goes, it is unimaginable that he would attempt to flee. All possible evidence has already been secured, so there is no risk of evidence destruction, and thus no grounds for denying bail." When the attorney mentioned his child, Assemblyman Kang covered his face with a handkerchief and wept.

In contrast, the prosecution stressed, "If the defendant is released, there is a high possibility that he may persuade witnesses or actively destroy evidence unfavorable to him, so he should not be released." The prosecution further stated, "From March 11 to June 4, there were 141 meetings, of which 89 were with his attorney, totaling about 160 hours. Therefore, the claim for bail on the grounds of the right to defense is unconvincing."

Assemblyman Kang is accused of meeting former Seoul City Councilman Kim Kyung at a hotel in Yongsan District in January 2022, ahead of the local elections, and exchanging a shopping bag containing 100 million won in return for a party nomination. At the time, Assemblyman Kang was a member of the Democratic Party, and former Councilman Kim was selected as the sole Democratic Party candidate for the Seoul City Council in Gangseo District. Prosecutors also indicted Kang’s former aide, Mr. Nam, who arranged the meeting, as well as former Councilman Kim.

Former Councilman Kim and Mr. Nam have admitted to bribery charges in court, but Assemblyman Kang has consistently denied all charges.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.