'Super Chat Donations' Jang Ye-chan Referred to Prosecution for Violation of Political Funds Act

Jang Ye-chan, former Supreme Youth Committee member of the People Power Party, who has been under police investigation for receiving Super Chat (donations) during his personal YouTube broadcasts, will be referred to the prosecution.

Jang Ye-chan, former Youth Supreme Committee Member of the People Power Party. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Seoul Western Police Station announced on the 24th that it plans to send the case of Jang's alleged violation of the Political Funds Act to the prosecution on the 27th. Accordingly, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office will conduct an investigation and legal review to decide whether to indict him.

Jang was reported and investigated by the police on suspicion of fundraising through the Super Chat feature during a live broadcast on his YouTube channel 'Jang Ye-chan TV' last August, when he was a Supreme Youth Committee member of the People Power Party. At that time, viewers reportedly sent Super Chats ranging from a minimum of 2,000 won to as much as 100,000 won to Jang.

The National Election Commission considers that if a politician generates revenue from a YouTube channel established for political activities, it may constitute a violation of the Political Funds Act. The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station, which investigated the case, summoned Jang for questioning on the 15th of last month and transferred the case to the Western Police Station, which has jurisdiction over Jang's residence, earlier this month.

A police official said, "We have decided to refer the case and are in the process of handing over the records to the prosecution," adding, "The records are expected to be transferred to the prosecution around next week."