The police have launched an investigation into Lee Jongwook, a National Assembly member from the People Power Party representing Changwon Jinhae, who is suspected of receiving illegal election funds during the April 10 parliamentary elections last year.
The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Division 1 of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency announced on June 19 that it is investigating Lee on suspicion of violating the Political Funds Act.
Lee, who was elected in the 22nd general election in April last year, is accused of receiving 49.7 million won in illegal political funds from his campaign staff member, identified as Mr. A, ahead of the election.
There are allegations that these funds, which were not reported to the National Election Commission, were used for opinion poll expenses and campaign staff salaries, among other purposes.
The Gyeongnam Election Commission, which has been investigating these allegations, referred Lee and others to the police for investigation.
On May 8, the Jinhea district committee of the Progressive Party, together with the Jinhea district committee of the Democratic Party and others, held a joint press conference at the Changwon City Hall press center and filed a complaint with the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency against Lee for violating the Political Funds Act.
They also called for an official explanation from Lee and an internal investigation by the People Power Party into the matter.
Earlier, Lee's office explained, "It is our understanding that this is not a case where the lawmaker himself borrowed money, but rather that Mr. A demanded repayment from Lee for money that Mr. A claimed to have spent during the campaign period."
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