Special Activity Expenses and Kim Young-ran Act Mentioned, Even Meal Costs Become a Concern
Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon and actor Lee Jung-jae's weekend dinner meeting has become a hot topic in political and business circles, with controversy swirling over 'who paid the bill.' They met at a restaurant where the most expensive single menu item costs 120,000 won per person. If Minister Han paid with a corporate card, it would be considered excessive use of 'special activity funds,' and if Lee Jung-jae paid, it would violate the 'Kim Young-ran Act.'
Actor Lee Jung-jae and Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon met at a restaurant in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The two are alumni of Seoul Hyundai High School, class of the 5th graduating class. [Photo by Online Community Capture]
On the 28th, online communities posted titles such as 'Menu of the restaurant where Han Dong-hoon and Lee Jung-jae ate' and 'Prices of the restaurant where Han Dong-hoon and Lee Jung-jae dined.'
According to the menu, the most expensive item is fresh ribs, priced at 120,000 won per 200g serving. Even if not the most expensive, sirloin and anchangsal (skirt meat) cost 88,000 won per 130g serving, and jumulleok (marinated short ribs) costs 85,000 won per 120g serving.
After the menu was revealed, many questioned, "Who paid the bill?" The Kim Young-ran Act was also mentioned. The current Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, known as the Kim Young-ran Act, prohibits public officials from receiving meals worth more than 30,000 won from individuals related to their duties.
Some argued that it is difficult to see a job-related connection between the Minister of Justice and the actor, noting that they are alumni of Seoul Hyundai High School, and responded, "What does it matter who pays among alumni?" downplaying the issue.
Even without job-relatedness or quid pro quo, public officials face criminal penalties if they receive gifts exceeding 1 million won per occasion or 3 million won annually.
However, some countered, "Lee Jung-jae is the founder and director of his agency, Artist Company, and can be seen as a businessman," adding, "Broadly speaking, there could be conflicts of interest."
Actor Lee Jung-jae attended the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards held last year at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, USA, along with his partner, Vice Chairman Lim Se-ryung of Daesang Group. [Photo by Emmy Awards Official Facebook]
In fact, Lee Jung-jae's partner, Vice Chairwoman Lim Se-ryung, benefited. Daesang Holdings, where Vice Chairwoman Lim is the second-largest shareholder, saw its stock price surge for two consecutive days following the meeting.
On the 28th, Daesang Holdings closed at 11,290 won, up 2,270 won (25.17%) from the previous trading day. Following a limit-up the day before, the stock rose more than 20% again that day. During trading, the price hit the upper limit, reaching 11,720 won. The preferred stock, Daesang Holdings Preferred, also recorded a limit-up for the second consecutive day.
Reservation by Lee Jung-jae... Payment by Minister Han Dong-hoon
According to industry insiders, the restaurant reservation was made by Lee Jung-jae, a regular customer. The bill was paid with Minister Han's personal credit card.
On the day of the meal, as soon as Minister Han entered the restaurant, he handed his personal credit card to the counter in advance, insisting, "Please make sure to pay with this card." After the meal, he confirmed that the payment was made with his card before leaving the restaurant, according to reports.
The total cost of the meal, including takeout, reportedly exceeded 300,000 won that day.
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