Independent lawmaker Kang Sun-Woo, who has been detained and indicted on charges of receiving 100 million won in nomination bribes for the 2022 local elections, pleaded through tears at a bail hearing on the 12th to be released. Prosecutors opposed, saying Kang has not cooperated with the investigation and denies the charges.

Chief Judge Lee Chun-Geun of the Seoul Central District Court (single-judge Criminal Division 1) held a bail hearing on this day for Rep. Kang, who has been indicted on charges including violations of the Political Funds Act. Kang is accused of receiving 100 million won from former Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung at a hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, in January 2022 in return for a local election nomination. At the time, Kang was a Democratic Party lawmaker representing Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Former councilor Kim received the Democratic Party's sole nomination for Seoul City Council in Gangseo-gu and was elected.

When her daughter with a developmental disability was mentioned, Kang covered her flushed face with a handkerchief and burst into tears. Kang appealed, “If you grant bail, I will unfailingly keep and follow any conditions,” and added, “Please allow me to clarify the truth unequivocally and to stand trial diligently while not in custody.”

Her attorney argued that Mr. Nam, a former aide to Kang, has admitted the charges, whereas Kang denies them, so there is no possibility that they would align their statements to destroy evidence. He also contended that since Nam is not in custody, trying only Kang while detained would raise issues of fairness and hinder the exercise of her defense rights.

The attorney said, “Rep. Kang has a family and a daughter with a severe disability to care for, and she is a well-known politician recognized wherever she goes,” adding, “It is hard to imagine that she would flee.”

The prosecutor countered that if Kang were released, there is a high possibility she would coax or harm witnesses in the case. He criticized as unconvincing the claim that her right of defense is being impeded, noting that from March 11 through the 4th she had 141 visits, including 89 attorney meetings.

The prosecutor said, “We seized an iPhone from Rep. Kang and requested the passcode, and although she said she would cooperate, she refused on political grounds,” and added, “Even during the trial she is selectively submitting only evidence favorable to her, engaging in political distortion.”

After hearing both sides, Chief Judge Lee concluded the hearing. A decision on whether to grant bail will be made later.