Investigation Demanded into Alleged Violation of Political Funds Act
Calls for Lee Jongwook's Explanation and Accountability
The Progressive Party, the Democratic Party, the Korean Federation of Trade Unions, and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions have filed a police complaint and called for an investigation into People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jongwook, who has recently come under suspicion of receiving illegal political funds.
On May 8, the Progressive Party Gyeongnam Jinhae Regional Committee, the Democratic Party Jinhae Regional Committee, the Korean Federation of Trade Unions Gyeongnam Branch, and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Jinhae Branch held a press conference at the Changwon Special City Hall press center. They demanded an investigation into Lee and a fact-finding inquiry by the People Power Party.
The Progressive Party Gyeongnam Jinhae Regional Committee, the Democratic Party Jinhae Regional Committee, the Korean Federation of Trade Unions Gyeongnam Branch, and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Jinhae Branch are holding a press conference urging an investigation into the allegations of political funding law violations by People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jongwook. Photo by Lee Seryoung
They stated, "According to recent media reports, Lee borrowed 49.7 million won from a friend who also served as the head of his campaign situation room during the 22nd general election in April 2024." They added, "Reportedly, this money was spent in two installments: 6 million won for opinion poll expenses and the remainder for staff wages and compensation before and after the election."
They further pointed out, "This money was political funds that were not reported to the National Election Commission, was handled in cash rather than through an official bank account, and is presumed to have not been recorded in the accounting books."
They continued, "Even after the election, Lee did not return the money, and the situation escalated to the point where the court issued a full payment order in a civil lawsuit."
They called on the National Election Commission to promptly investigate the case and to check for any similar illegal activities by Lee.
They urged the prosecution and the police to immediately launch an investigation, determine the source and use of the political funds, and look into possible accounting omissions.
They demanded that Lee provide an explanation and take political responsibility for the matter, and called on the People Power Party to conduct its own fact-finding investigation.
Jinbo Party's Lee Jongdae, Chairman of the Jinhae Regional Committee, is heading to the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency's civil petition office holding a complaint form. Photo by Lee Seryeong
After the press conference, they submitted a formal complaint against Lee to the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency under the name of Lee Jongdae, chairman of the Progressive Party Jinhae Regional Committee.
They plan to continue solo protests, including holding placards in front of the Gyeongnam Election Commission during morning commutes until May 11, and to maintain these actions until the presidential election campaign officially begins.
Previously, Lee's side stated that they would respond after legal review, while the Gyeongnam Election Commission has acknowledged the allegations and is conducting an investigation into possible violations of the Political Funds Act.
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