'Allegations of 100 million won in nomination funds' Former city councilor Kim Kyung and Rep. Kang Seon-woo attend extradition hearing [Yonhap News]

Kim Kyung, a former Seoul city councilor indicted on charges of giving 100 million won to independent lawmaker Kang Seon-woo in exchange for nomination, admitted to the charges in the first trial.

On the 29th, at the first public hearing for the case of violating the Political Funds Act, presided over by Chief Judge Lee Chun-geun of the Criminal Division 1 at the Seoul Central District Court, Kim's lawyer stated, "We admit to all the charges."

Regarding the prosecution's application of the charge of breach of trust and bribery, the defense raised the possibility of dispute, stating, "There may be room for interpretation on some points."

Nam, a former aide to Rep. Kang who arranged the meeting between the two, also admitted to the charges.

However, Rep. Kang's side stated, "As I have only been appointed as legal counsel a few days ago, I have not yet reviewed the records, nor have I been able to meet with my client," and said they would present their position at the next hearing.

All three defendants appeared in court on this day.

The next hearing has been scheduled for the 29th of next month.

Rep. Kang and former city councilor Kim were arrested and indicted last month on charges of meeting at a hotel in Yongsan-gu in January 2022, ahead of the local elections, and exchanging a shopping bag containing 100 million won as a quid pro quo for nomination. At the time, Rep. Kang was a member of the Democratic Party.

Former city councilor Kim was later nominated solely as a Democratic Party candidate for Seoul City Council in Gangseo-gu, Rep. Kang's constituency, and was elected.