Seoul: A Seoul city councilor accused of bribing a former ruling party lawmaker appeared before police Thursday to undergo questioning for the second time this week. Kim Kyung arrived at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's office to be questioned again as a suspect in the bribery case after being grilled immediately upon her return from the United States on Sunday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim has been accused of handing over 100 million won (US$ 68,170) to an aide of Rep. Kang Sun-woo, formerly of the Democratic Party (DP), ahead of the local elections in 2022 allegedly in exchange for her councilorship nomination. Kim expressed regret for causing public concern but did not address questions regarding the bribery allegations as she entered the police office.

Kang, who recently left the DP following the emergence of the allegations, stated that she was unaware of her aide's acceptance of the cash until later and claimed to have directed its return. Conversely, Kim has reportedly asserted in a statement to police that she personally delivered the money to Kang at a cafe during the election period. She has also turned over her work tablet PC and laptop to the authorities.

Police aim to use Thursday's session to further investigate Kim's claim of delivering the cash to Kang. They are also reportedly considering the possibility of a cross-examination of the two individuals involved to substantiate the allegations.