Kang Seon-woo, an independent lawmaker formerly of the Democratic Party, and Kim Kyung, a former Seoul city councilman, have been sent to prosecutors after being implicated in a bribery scandal involving 1 billion won tied to electoral nominations. On November 11, the Seoul Police’s Public Crime Investigation Unit forwarded their case to the Central District Prosecutor's Office, following their arrest under various charges including violations of political funding laws, embezzlement, and other accusations related to the political financing. This transfer comes after the two had been detained since a court issued a warrant for their arrest due to the ongoing investigation into the bribery allegations, which surfaced from a leaked conversation between Kang and another lawmaker in December 2022.

The scandal revolves around a meeting held on January 7, 2022, at a hotel in Yongsan, Seoul, where Kang and Kim allegedly exchanged 1 billion won in return for political nominations in the local elections. The police have gathered evidence suggesting that Kang was aware of the money he was to receive, which he reportedly used as part of his rental costs. In contrast, Kang claims he only realized he received the sum three months after the fact and insists he tried to return the money, alleging it was a gift meant for specific expenses from family funds.

This case has significant implications, as it raises questions about corruption within political funding processes in South Korea. While initial investigations contemplated charges of bribery against the two, the police ultimately decided to classify the allegations under rules governing political party conduct, suggesting that the activities were not directly about government function but rather internal party matters. This has led to continuing public and media scrutiny regarding the ethical practices of political financing in South Korea, especially in light of potential lobbying allegations surrounding the recent elections in 2023.