Police Investigate Kwon Youngse for Alleged Election Law Violation Over Lunar New Year Gifts to YouTubers

Assemblyman Kwon Youngse of the People Power Party is under police investigation for sending Lunar New Year gifts to YouTubers during his tenure as the party’s Emergency Response Committee Chair.

According to the police on October 30, the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is investigating Assemblyman Kwon on suspicion of violating the Public Official Election Act.

Previously, in March, the National Election Commission determined that Assemblyman Kwon’s actions were unlikely to qualify as an exception to the ban on donations under the Public Official Election Act, and referred the case to the prosecution for investigation. The case was subsequently assigned to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

In January, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, Assemblyman Kwon sent dried seaweed, a specialty product from Muan in South Jeolla Province, as gifts to party members, including party chapter heads. The controversy arose when it was revealed that he also sent gifts to far-right YouTubers during this process.

Under the Public Official Election Act, members of the National Assembly, local council members, heads of local governments, party representatives, candidates, and their spouses are prohibited from making donations. However, exceptions are made for routine party activities, ceremonial acts, relief or charitable acts, and official duties. At the time, Assemblyman Kwon stated, "It was a customary gesture for those who have worked hard."