Rep. Kweon Seong-dong's Potential Arrest over Bribery Allegations

Strategic Insights -

Seoul court hearing reportedly began on Tuesday as special counsel Min Joong-ki sought a warrant for Rep. Kweon Seong-dong's arrest over allegations of bribery involving the Unification Church. The five-term lawmaker is accused of receiving 100 million won in illegal funds and promising church member votes in support of then-presidential candidate Yoon Suk Yeol. Rep. Kweon arrived at the court, criticizing the special counsel's investigation and comparing it to a past case he faced during the Moon Jae-in administration. The court decision on his potential arrest is expected to be made later in the day.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, a member of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), attended a Seoul court hearing on Tuesday over potential arrest for bribery allegations.
  • The allegations involve 100 million won ($72,000) in illegal political funds received from a former Unification Church official in January 2022, ahead of the presidential election.
  • Rep. Kweon is accused of promising church member votes in support of former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee.
  • The special counsel's team has been investigating bribery allegations surrounding the Unification Church as part of its corruption investigation into former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
  • Rep. Kweon has been accused of receiving shopping bags full of cash from Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja between February and March 2022, as well as informing the church of a police investigation into Han.
  • The court decision on Rep. Kweon's potential arrest is expected to be made later in the day.
  • As a sitting lawmaker, Rep. Kweon is immune from arrest while parliament is in session, and can only be put under arrest with consent from the National Assembly.