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| ▲ Seoul city councilor Kim Kyung is surrounded by reporters as she arrives at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on a flight from the U.S. on Jan. 11, 2026. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ This compilation image shows Rep. Kang Sun-woo (L) and Seoul city councilor Kim Kyung in a photo provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Council. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) city councilor-bribery allegations
(LEAD) Seoul city councilor returns from U.S. to face probe into alleged bribery
(ATTN: UPDATES with details)
SEOUL, Jan. 11 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul city councilor returned from the United States Sunday to face a police investigation into allegations she bribed a former ruling party lawmaker for a nomination in the 2022 local elections.
Kim Kyung arrived through Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, 11 days after she left the country and headed to the U.S. to meet her child.
The timing of her departure had raised suspicions as the police had just begun an investigation into the allegations she gave 100 million won (US$68,500) to an aide of Rep. Kang Sun-woo, formerly of the Democratic Party, in exchange for a nomination for the councilorship.
"I will faithfully undergo the investigation," Kim told reporters at the airport, where she was met by police officers.
Asked why she left the country when a police investigation was under way, she replied, "It was a commitment I made a long time ago."
The councilor did not respond to questions about whether she admits to giving the 100 million won. On Friday, it was reported that she had acknowledged giving the money and getting it back in a statement recently submitted to police.
Kim invited further criticism last week after she was spotted attending CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, she reportedly did not meet with her child.
Police raided the offices and homes of Kim and Kang on Sunday, as well as the home of Kang's former aide who allegedly received the money.
It marked the first raid since the scandal broke on Dec. 29 through the disclosure of a recording in which Kang can be heard discussing the money with DP Rep. Kim Byung-kee.
Kim Byung-kee resigned as floor leader the next day to take responsibility for that and other allegations of misconduct surrounding him and his family.
Police plan to summon and question the councilor after gathering necessary material from her home.
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