"State Affairs Manipulation" Geomancer Jeon: "I Will Reflect and Reflect Again"... Special Prosecutor Seeks 5-Year Prison Term

Kim Keonhee Appears as Witness... Refuses to Testify
Special Prosecutor: "Exploited Proximity to Power for Personal Gain"
Verdict Scheduled for February 11 Next Year

Jeon Seongbae, known as "Geonjin Beopsa," who has been indicted on charges of receiving money and valuables in exchange for requests to resolve issues related to the Unification Church, stated in his final statement, "I will reflect and reflect again. I am truly sorry." The Minjungki Special Prosecutor's Office requested a five-year prison sentence for Jeon.

Jeon Seongbae, a geomancer accused of being the channel through which various solicitations were conveyed to Kim Gunhee, is entering the West building of KT Gwanghwamun in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the Minjungki Special Prosecutor's Office is located on August 18, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongju

On December 23, the 33rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Jinkwan) held the final hearing for Jeon, who is accused of aggravated bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes and violating the Political Funds Act.

The special prosecutor's team requested a three-year prison sentence for aggravated bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, and a two-year prison sentence for violating the Political Funds Act. They also asked for the confiscation of a Chanel bag, a diamond necklace, and other items, as well as the forfeiture of 280.78 million won.

The special prosecutor's team stated, "Jeon flaunted his connections with the presidential couple and high-ranking politicians, exploited his proximity to power, and pursued personal gain," adding, "In the course of the crime, some of Jeon's solicitations were actually realized, resulting in state affairs being manipulated in reality."

Jeon's defense argued, "Jeon was merely an errand runner and cannot be considered the main recipient of the money and valuables," and "since he did not share the details of the crime with Mrs. Kim, there was no conspiracy between them."

In his final statement, Jeon said, "I sincerely regret causing trouble due to my foolishness," adding, "I will continue to reflect and reflect again. I am truly sorry."

On this day, Mrs. Kim appeared as a witness at Jeon's trial but remained silent in response to the special prosecutor's questions.

Jeon was indicted in August on charges of conspiring with Mrs. Kim to receive valuables worth approximately 80 million won, including a diamond necklace and a Chanel bag, from Yoon Youngho, former head of the Unification Church World Headquarters, between April and July 2022, in exchange for requests to support the church. He is also accused of separately demanding 30 million won in return for promising the position of "advisor to the Unification Group" as compensation for the solicitation, as well as receiving various requests from companies and accepting valuables worth up to 200 million won.

The sentencing for Jeon is scheduled for February 11 next year at 2 p.m.