Independent Lawmaker Kang Sun-oo Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Prison for 100 Million Won Nomination Bribery, Taken Back into Custody

[Anchor]

Independent lawmaker Kang Sun-oo, who has been accused of accepting 100 million won in exchange for a local election nomination, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison in the first trial. Criticizing her for undermining the fairness of elections, the court revoked her bail and took her back into custody in the courtroom.

Reporter Jung Hye-jin has the details.

[Reporter]

Attending the court after being released on bail, independent lawmaker Kang Sun-oo maintained her denial of the charges regarding accepting nomination bribes today (October 14).

[Kang Sun-oo / Independent Lawmaker: Throughout the trial process, I faithfully explained the facts with objective evidence. (Do you still maintain your innocence?) ......]

However, the court found all charges guilty and sentenced Lawmaker Kang to prison.

The court sentenced Lawmaker Kang, who was indicted while in custody on charges of violating the Political Funds Act, to two and a half years in prison and ordered a forfeiture of 100 million won.

Lawmaker Kang is accused of receiving a shopping bag containing 100 million won in cash from former Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Kyung at a hotel in Seoul in January 2022 in exchange for a nomination.

Former Council Member Kim, who handed over the money, was sentenced to one year in prison.

The court criticized them, stating, "The defendants undermined the fairness of elections and severely damaged public trust, making strict punishment necessary."

Regarding Lawmaker Kang in particular, the court added, "We considered unfavorable factors such as her denial of the crime and lack of remorse despite receiving a massive sum of 100 million won, as well as her personal use of the funds."

Lawmaker Kang and former Council Member Kim, who were initially tried in custody and released on bail last month, were taken back into custody in court today due to concerns over the destruction of evidence and flight.

Lawmaker Kang's side announced plans to appeal immediately after the sentencing.

Apart from this case, Lawmaker Kang is undergoing an additional trial on charges of receiving split donations totaling approximately 130 million won from former Council Member Kim through dozens of different names.

(Video reporting: Yang Ji-hoon | Video editing: Lee Seung-hee)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.