Police Begin Forensic Analysis of Phones of Kim Gyuhwan and Jeong Wonju in Unification Church Lobbying Probe

On January 7, the police began forensic procedures on the mobile phones and other devices belonging to former United Future Party lawmaker Kim Gyuhwan (currently President of Korea Coal Corporation) and Jeong Wonju, former chief secretary of the Unification Church, in connection with allegations of political lobbying by the Unification Church.

This forensic investigation took place 22 days after the police conducted a search and seizure operation on December 16 of last year at three locations: President Kim's office and annex at Korea Coal Corporation, as well as his residence, where they secured PCs and mobile phones. Although a joint investigation team of prosecutors and police was launched the previous day, their office has not yet been established, so the forensic work is currently being conducted at the police headquarters.

Former lawmaker Kim is suspected of violating the Political Funds Act by accepting 30 million won in cash, contained in a box, from Unification Church President Han Hakja and former World Headquarters Director Yoon Youngho at Cheonjeonggung in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, ahead of the 2020 general election, with the instruction to "use it well for the general election."

Former chief secretary Jeong is known as the second-in-command of the Unification Church, having served as Vice President of Cheonmuwon, the highest administrative organization of the church, and is considered a close aide to President Han.