South Korean lawmaker appeals prison term in nomination-payment case

Independent South Korean lawmaker Kang Seon-u (강선우) filed an appeal on October 15 against a prison sentence for receiving 100 million won in connection with a municipal election nomination, Newsis and Dong-A Ilbo reported. The Seoul Central District Court sentenced her the previous day to two years and six months in prison and ordered recovery of the money. She was taken into custody after the judgment, having previously been released on bail. [ 36 , 38 ]

The case concerns a January 2022 meeting at a hotel in Seoul's Yongsan district before local elections. The court found that Kang received the money from former Seoul councillor Kim Gyeong (김경) in return for nomination assistance. Kang then belonged to the Democratic Party and participated in its nomination process for Seoul council candidates. Kim subsequently secured the party's sole nomination in a Gangseo constituency and was elected. [ 10 , 36 ]

Newsis reported that the court found Kang had considerable influence over nominations and had helped Kim by sharing information about interview questions, advising on procedures and expressing support during screening. The court rejected Kang's account that her former aide had received and used the money without her knowledge. Kang continued to deny receiving any money after sentencing and said her arguments and evidence had not been accepted. [ 36 , 38 ]

Kim received a one-year prison sentence, while the former aide received eight months suspended for two years. Prosecutors had sought four years for Kang. The court said unlawful political funding damaged election fairness and public trust. Dong-A Ilbo reported that Kang would lose her parliamentary seat if the sentence were upheld and became final at the Supreme Court. [ 10 , 22 , 36 ]