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Independent Representative Kang Seon-woo and former Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung are charged with exchanging 1 billion won in cash for local election nominations, with a verdict hearing set for September 16 at the Seoul Central District Court. On that day, the prosecution will present its sentencing opinion, followed by the defendants' final statements.
Former Council member Kim appeared as a witness and engaged in a heated exchange during cross-examination with Kang's attorney. When questioned about the purpose of the donations, Kim rebutted, saying, "If it was to support the district chief position, why would I have done such a difficult task in a short time?" He claimed that the donations were made at Kang's request.
Kang is accused of receiving a shopping bag containing 1 billion won in cash from Kim at a hotel in Seoul in January 2022 in exchange for a nomination. While Kim acknowledges the charges, he claims that he returned the 1 billion won previously given and re-deposited it in the form of split donations. Both individuals were arrested and indicted on March 27.