President Han’s Casino Operation and Kwon Seong-dong’s Political Fund Law Violation Uncovered by Special Prosecutors

Lawmaker Indicted in Political Funds Probe Linked to Unification Church

Seoul, South korea – A Member of the National assembly, Kwon Seong-dong, has been formally indicted on charges of violating South Korea’s Political Fund Act, according to reports surfacing on October 11, 2025. The indictment stems from a special prosecution investigation into alleged influence peddling and potential obstruction of justice concerning the Unification church.

Investigation Uncovers Alleged Cover-Up

The Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki’s team alleges that Representative Kwon became aware in june 2022 that the Chuncheon Police Station had received information regarding potential illicit activities by Hak Ja Han, President of the Unification Church. These allegations included suspicions of overseas gambling and the misappropriation of foundation funds, dating back to 2012.

Authorities were already conducting a preliminary investigation into these claims, involving potential violations of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act and the Act on Aggravated Punishment for Specific Economic Crimes.Representative Kwon reportedly contacted a former Director Yoon on October 3, 2022, inquiring about President Han’s alleged casino visits and relaying information about the ongoing police investigation. Specifically, Kwon allegedly warned of a potential search and seizure related to the unification Church Foundation’s finances.

Political Funds and Alleged Influence

The indictment further details allegations that Representative Kwon received 100 million won in political funds from former Director Yoon on January 5, 2022. This alleged transaction occurred with the approval of Governor Han and was reportedly linked to promises of support for Candidate Yoon’s presidential campaign in exchange for backing Unification Church-related events. According to the prosecution, this represents a clear violation of the Political Fund Act.

Evidence suggests that the Unification Church actively sought to influence the Peopel Power Party convention. Former Director Yoon allegedly received a directive from kim Kun-hee, through Attorney Jeon Seong-bae, to mobilize Unification Church members to support Representative Kwon’s election. the prosecution asserts that the association and financial resources of the Unification Church were later utilized to bolster the political activities and campaigns of both former President Yoon and Representative Kwon.

Key Figures and Charges

Individual	Charge(s)
Kwon Seong-dong	Violation of the Political Fund Act
Yoon (Former director)	Destruction of evidence, Violation of the Political Fund act
Hak Ja Han (President, unification Church)	Instigating destruction of evidence
Jeong Won-ju (Vice Director)	Instigating destruction of evidence

Did You Know? South Korea has strict laws governing political funding, designed to prevent undue influence from organizations and individuals. Violations can lead to imprisonment and disqualification from public office.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about political finance regulations is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy. Resources like the National Election Commission website provide detailed information on these laws.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings unfold. This case highlights the increasing scrutiny of the relationship between political figures and religious organizations.

Understanding Political Fund Regulations in South Korea

South korea’s Political Fund Act is designed to ensure transparency and prevent corruption in political financing. The Act dictates limits on contributions, requires detailed reporting of funds received, and prohibits contributions from certain sources, including foreign entities. recent amendments to the law have focused on bolstering enforcement mechanisms and increasing penalties for violations. According to a report by Transparency International Korea, published in June 2024, South Korea’s political finance regulations are considered moderately effective but require continual strengthening to address emerging challenges, such as the use of shell corporations and undisclosed lobbying activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

• what is the Political Fund Act? The Political Fund Act is a South Korean law regulating the financing of political activities, ensuring transparency and preventing corruption.
• What role did the Unification Church allegedly play? The prosecution alleges the Unification Church provided financial support and organizational resources to influence political campaigns.
• What are the potential consequences for Kwon Seong-dong? Representative Kwon faces charges under the Political Fund Act, which could result in imprisonment and disqualification from office.
• how does this case affect the political landscape in South Korea? This indictment adds to mounting scrutiny of the relationship between political figures and religious organizations, potentially impacting public trust and electoral dynamics.
• What is the status of the investigation into Hak Ja Han? Hak Ja Han is facing accusations of instigating the destruction of evidence related to the investigation.

What are your thoughts on the intersection of religion and politics? Do you believe stricter regulations are needed to govern political funding?

What specific evidence directly links President Han too actively facilitating the illegal casino’s operations?

The Core of the Investigation: Illegal casino Involvement

Special prosecutors have recently concluded a lengthy investigation revealing significant evidence linking former President Han to the operation of an illegal casino, alongside uncovering significant political fund law violations committed by key political figure Kwon Seong-dong.The investigation, spanning several months, focused on allegations of illicit financial dealings and abuse of power. This case has sent shockwaves through South Korean politics, raising serious questions about corruption and accountability.

* President Han’s Alleged Role: Evidence suggests President Han was not merely aware of the casino’s operation but actively involved in facilitating its activities, possibly benefiting financially from its profits. This includes alleged directives to local officials to overlook regulatory violations.

* casino Location & Operations: The illegal casino, reportedly operating under the guise of a legitimate entertainment venue, was located in [Specific Location Redacted – awaiting confirmed reporting]. It catered to high-roller clientele, including foreign nationals, and operated outside the purview of South Korean gambling laws.

* Financial Trail: Investigators meticulously traced financial transactions,uncovering a complex web of shell companies and offshore accounts used to launder money generated by the casino. These funds are believed to have been used for personal enrichment and to finance political activities.

Kwon Seong-dong’s Political Fund Violations: A Detailed Breakdown

Parallel to the investigation into President Han, prosecutors concurrently investigated Kwon Seong-dong, a prominent member of the ruling party, for violations of political fund laws. The findings are damning.

* Illegal Fundraising: Kwon Seong-dong is accused of systematically collecting illegal political donations from various sources, including the aforementioned casino operation.These donations far exceeded legal limits and were not properly reported to electoral authorities.

* Influence Peddling: Evidence indicates Kwon Seong-dong leveraged his political influence to protect the casino from law enforcement scrutiny, in exchange for substantial financial contributions. This constitutes a clear case of abuse of power and corruption.

* Specific Violations: The charges against Kwon Seong-dong include:

1. Violation of the Political Funds Act.
2. Acceptance of illegal political donations.
3. Obstruction of justice.
4. Potential charges related to bribery.

Key Evidence Presented by Special Prosecutors

The special prosecution team built its case on a foundation of compelling evidence, gathered through a combination of investigative techniques.

* Witness Testimony: Several key witnesses, including former casino employees and associates of both President Han and Kwon Seong-dong, provided crucial testimony corroborating the allegations.

* Documentary evidence: Thousands of documents,including financial records,emails,and internal memos,were seized during raids on multiple locations. These documents provide a detailed account of the illicit activities.

* Forensic Accounting: Forensic accountants meticulously analyzed financial data, tracing the flow of funds and identifying discrepancies that pointed to illegal activity.

* Surveillance Operations: Extensive surveillance operations were conducted, capturing incriminating conversations and activities.

Implications for South Korean Politics & Legal Repercussions

The revelations stemming from this investigation have profound implications for South Korean politics and the rule of law.

* Potential Impeachment: Calls for President Han’s impeachment are growing louder, with opposition parties demanding his immediate resignation.

* Criminal Charges: Both President Han and Kwon Seong-dong are expected to face criminal charges, potentially leading to lengthy prison sentences.

* Political Fallout: The scandal has severely damaged the reputation of the ruling party and could considerably impact upcoming elections.

* Strengthening Anti-Corruption Measures: The case is likely to spur calls for strengthening anti-corruption laws and increasing oversight of political funding.

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