Ex-DP lawmaker slapped with travel ban over alleged bribery

Former Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Kang Sun-woo's office at the National Assembly in Seoul is seen, in this photo taken on Jan. 2, 2026. YonhapSEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - Former Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Kang Sun-woo has been banned from traveling, along with two others, over alleged bribery, police said Monday.

Kang, who recently left the party amid allegations, is accused of accepting 100 million Korean won (US$68,500) from Seoul city official Kim Kyung in return for the DP's candidate nominations for the 2022 local elections. The money was reportedly delivered to Kang's ex-aide, identified only by his surname Nam.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it imposed the travel bans on the three, citing the seriousness of the case.

The travel bans come a day after police raided their homes and offices to investigate how the money was delivered and used. The case emerged after an audio recording was abruptly released a few weeks ago, in which Kang is heard discussing the acceptance of the money with then-DP floor leader Kim Byung-ki, who resigned late last year amid a spate of bribery allegations and other misconduct.
 Seoul city official Kim Kyung arrives at Incheon International Office on Jan. 11, 2026. YonhapThe Seoul city official, believed to have handed the money to Kang, was questioned the previous day upon her return to Seoul after traveling to the U.S. shortly after the allegations surfaced. But she, who was questioned for just three hours or so because of jet lag, is expected to be summoned again for further questioning.

The Seoul city official, believed to have handed the money to Kang, was questioned the previous day upon her return to Seoul after traveling to the U.S. shortly after the allegations surfaced. Her questioning lasted only about three hours due to jet lag, and she is expected to be summoned again.

Amid criticism that the investigation was too slow, potentially allowing suspects to destroy evidence, a score of complaints related to the case have been filed so far.
Park Yong-jun 기자 yjunsay@ajunews.com