People Power Party "Jin Seong-jun Reported to Prosecution for 'Bribery under Election Law'"

All Members of the People Power Party's Legislation and Judiciary Committee Hold Press Conference at the National Assembly on the 6th

People Power Party's Judiciary Committee member Yoo Sang-beom is holding a press conference on the 6th at the National Assembly Communication Office regarding the 'Allegations of Cash Distribution and Party Member Bribery by Assemblyman Jin Sung-jun.' On the left is fellow party member Cho Soo-jin. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] The People Power Party has decided to file a complaint with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office against Jin Seong-jun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Seung-hyun, candidate for Gangseo District Mayor, on charges of bribery under the election law and violation of the Personal Information Protection Act.

Members of the People Power Party's Legislation and Judiciary Committee held a press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 6th, stating, "Two days ago, there was a conscience declaration by whistleblower Yoon Doo-kwon, vice chairman of the Democratic Party's Gangseo-eul District Committee," adding, "The content was shocking. Jin Seong-jun, the Democratic Party's floor deputy leader, allegedly received sponsorship from construction businessman Jo Eui-hwan (CEO of Milseong Construction) and distributed cash to bribe party members. Additionally, allegations of illegal election campaigning and unlawful leakage of party membership lists have been raised."

The committee members explained, "According to the whistleblower's provided bank transaction records, on February 24, 2021, 20 million KRW was deposited from construction businessman Jo. The whistleblower withdrew or transferred this money in multiple installments to various organizers, who used it to recruit Democratic Party party members. On March 10, 2021, another 20 million KRW was deposited and used in the same manner."

They continued, "'Bribery' is classified as the primary election crime, symbolizing money-based elections and constituting a serious offense. The investigative authorities must immediately conduct searches and summons for Jin, businessman Jo, and candidate Kim. The whistleblower filed a complaint with the Gangseo Police Station on the 4th regarding these matters," they said.

The committee also pointed out, "According to the whistleblower's testimony, since March this year, Jin has hosted meals and alcoholic beverages for hundreds of Gangseo residents multiple times. Businessman Jo covered these expenses, with the purpose of supporting candidate Kim. There is also testimony that Jin personally appealed for support at these gatherings."

Furthermore, they stated, "There are allegations that Jin illegally leaked the Gangseo District party membership list during the Democratic Party's Gangseo District Mayor primary and provided it to candidate Kim. It is known that businessman Jo and organizers were involved in this as well. The Gangseo Police Station received a report last month and is currently investigating the case," they added.

Previously, on the 4th, Yoon held a press conference at the National Assembly, claiming that Jin mobilized cash for illegal party member recruitment. In response, the Democratic Party's Gangseo-eul District Committee issued a statement saying, "The Gangseo-eul District Committee has never used any money or other illegal means to recruit party members."