Bundles of Cash Wrapped in Bank of Korea Plastic Dated "May 13, 2022": How Did They End Up at Geonjinhopsa Jeonseongbae's Home?

165 Million Won in Cash Found at Residence, 50 Million Won in New Bills
Bank of Korea: "Difficult to Confirm Where the Money Went"

Jeonseongbae, the "Geonjinhopsa," is leaving the court building and getting into a vehicle after finishing the trial related to allegations of illegal political fund acceptance at the Seoul Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News

Prosecutors are reportedly tracing the origin of a large sum of cash seized last year from the residence of Jeonseongbae, known as the "Geonjinhopsa." Jeonseongbae is implicated in the so-called "Myeong Taegyun Gate," facing allegations of involvement in candidate nomination interference and illegal political fund acceptance.

Yonhap News reported on the 23rd that "the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office seized 3,300 bundles of 50,000-won bills (totaling 165 million won) from Jeon's residence in December last year." The report added, "Of this, 50 million won in new bills was wrapped in plastic labeled with the Bank of Korea, and the packaging was marked with a machine number, person in charge, supervisor, serial number, and the date May 13, 2022."

Since such a large sum in this form is difficult for ordinary individuals to possess, questions have arisen about its origin. The Bank of Korea explained to Yonhap News, "This type of packaging is used when cash is sent to financial institutions." The bank further stated, "The person in charge, supervisor, and serial number are used for banknote inspection, and it is not possible to determine the destination of the cash from the serial number alone."

Meanwhile, Jeon reportedly explained that he does not remember from whom he received the money, claiming it was prayer fees. It is also presumed that during the search and seizure of Jeon's temple and residence last year, prosecutors obtained hundreds of business cards belonging to corporate executives, political figures, legal professionals, and senior police officers.

Jeon is suspected of receiving several hundred million won from Yoon, the former head of the Unification Church World Headquarters, between December 2021?when the presidential campaign camp for former President Yoon was established?and later, under the pretext of consulting fees or prayer fees. In addition, during Jeon's questioning on the 20th, prosecutors reportedly pressed him about the whereabouts of an expensive necklace received from Yoon through mobile phone records and other means.

Prosecutors suspect that Jeon received money or valuables from Yoon, under the guise of consulting or prayer fees, and arranged meetings with former President Yoon's spouse or high-ranking officials in the ruling party.