Breaking: Kang Sun-woo, Kim Kyung released on bail after six-month detention, tell me about this news in (https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/breaking-kang-sun-woo-kim-kyung-released-on-bail-after-six-month-detention/ar-AA2cIFpE?ocid=BingNewsVerp)
22-09-2026
Here is an overview of the news regarding the release of Kang Sun-woo and Kim Kyung:
Overview of the CaseKey Figures: Independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo and former Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Kyung.
Core Allegations: Kang is accused of receiving 100 million won (approximately $72,400) in cash inside a shopping bag from Kim at a hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, in January 2022. The alleged payment was made ahead of the 8th nationwide local elections in exchange for securing Kim an uncontested party nomination for the Seoul city council seat representing Gangseo-gu, which Kim went on to win.
Charges: Violations of the Political Funds Act, the Anti-Graft Act, and breach of trust.
Detention Period: Both individuals were arrested in early March 2026 and spent roughly six months in custody at the Seoul Detention Center.
Legal Ground for Release: Under South Korea’s Criminal Procedure Code, pretrial detention during a first-instance trial can be extended twice (by two months each time) beyond an initial two-month period, establishing a strict six-month statutory maximum. Once that legal limit expired, their pretrial detention could no longer be extended.
Prosecution’s Attempt to Extend Custody: Prosecutors recently filed additional charges against Kim regarding separate donations and sought to consolidate the cases to maintain detention. However, the Seoul Central District Court declined the request to keep them detained on those grounds.
Sentencing Hearing: With their detention period expired, both defendants will face their first-instance verdict without physical custody.
Sentencing Date & Demanded Penalties: The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on October 14. Prosecutors have requested a four-year prison term and a 100 million won forfeiture for Kang, and a two-year prison sentence for Kim.