South Korean political corruption sentencing

In September 2026, prosecutors requested a four-year prison sentence and a 100 million won fine for former lawmaker Kang Sun-woo. The request followed allegations that Kang and former Seoul City Councilor Kim Kyung violated the Political Funds Act by exchanging 100 million won in January 2022. During the hearing, Kang testified that police officials pressured her to admit to the bribery to maintain her dignity, though police denied this.

By October 2026, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kang Sun-woo to two years and six months in prison and a 100 million won fine. The court found that Kang received the cash from Kim Kyung in exchange for securing a political nomination. Evidence indicated Kang assisted Kim by providing interview questions and advising him to use Telegram to avoid detection. Kang, who was previously released on bail, was immediately taken into custody following the ruling. If the sentence is finalized, she will lose her seat in the National Assembly.

Co-defendants Kim Kyung was sentenced to one year in prison and taken into custody, while a former aide, Mr. Nam, received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years. The court noted the incident “severely undermined the fairness of the election system and public trust in political institutions.”

In a separate corruption case involving the Gangseo District Council, the Seoul Southern District Court sentenced former Chairman Park Seong-ho and former Steering Committee Chairman Jeon Cheol-gyu to five years in prison each. The officials were convicted of accepting cash and jewelry to influence public official hiring and contract extensions.