Seoul: Former Seoul city councilor Kim Kyung admitted in her first trial Wednesday to giving 100 million won (US$67,700) to former Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Kang Sun-woo for a party nomination ahead of the 2022 local elections.

According to Yonhap News Agency, at the Seoul Central District Court trial, Kim's lawyers acknowledged the charges but indicated they might challenge the prosecution's breach-of-trust and bribery allegations. The trial also involved Kang's former aide, known by the surname Nam, who arranged the meeting between Kim and Kang. Nam also admitted to the charges.

Kang's legal team stated that they will present their stance at the subsequent hearing after thoroughly reviewing all related records. All three defendants were present in court for the proceedings. The continuation of the trial is scheduled for May 29.

Kang and Kim were arrested and charged last month with accepting and giving bribes during a meeting in January 2022 at a hotel in Seoul's Yongsan district. Following her nomination by the DP, Kim was elected to the Seoul Metropolitan Council. In January of this year, Kang departed from the DP to become an independent, while Kim resigned from her position on the council.