Kwon Seongdong to Be Questioned as Suspect by Special Prosecutor
Unification Church Allegations Under Investigation
Kwon Seongdong, floor leader of the People Power Party who announced his resignation from the position, is speaking at a party meeting held at the National Assembly on June 9, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Kwon Seongdong, a lawmaker from the People Power Party who is suspected of receiving illegal political funds from the Unification Church, will appear before the special prosecutor's team led by Special Prosecutor Min Jungki as a suspect on August 27.
On August 26, the special prosecutor's team announced to the media, "Tomorrow (the 27th), we plan to summon and question Kwon Seongdong, a lawmaker from the People Power Party."
The special prosecutor's team is investigating allegations that Assemblyman Kwon received illegal political funds from the Unification Church. They are also looking into suspicions that the Unification Church brought in a large number of new party members ahead of the March 2023 party convention in order to help elect Kwon as party leader.
In connection with these suspicions, the special prosecutor's team conducted searches and seizures at Kwon's residence, his National Assembly office, and his office in Gangneung. The team also attempted to search the People Power Party headquarters to secure the party membership list, but the attempt failed due to strong opposition from the party. It appears the special prosecutor's team will soon discuss and reapply for a search and seizure warrant.
When the special prosecutor's team requested an arrest warrant for Mrs. Kim on August 7, it was noted that Yoon Youngho, former head of the Unification Church's World Headquarters, conveyed his intention to support then-presidential candidate Yoon Sukyeol to Kwon and other key figures close to Yoon during the 2022 presidential election. Yoon reportedly testified during the investigation that, starting in 2021, he delivered funds to Kwon and others after receiving approval from senior Unification Church leaders, including President Han Hakja.
The special prosecutor's team is expected to question Kwon extensively about all related allegations tomorrow.
On this day, Kwon posted on his Facebook page, stating that he would comply with the special prosecutor's summons. He wrote, "I will appear for the special prosecutor's investigation at 10 a.m. on the 27th," adding, "I am innocent of all the allegations raised by the special prosecutor. That is why I can stand tall."
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