Jeon Seong-bae, known as "Gunjin Beopsa," was acquitted in a first-instance ruling on charges of receiving illegal political funds amounting to 100 million won during the nomination process for the mayoral election in Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ahead of the 7th nationwide local elections.
On June 29, the Seoul Southern District Court's Criminal Division 9, presided over by Judge Ko So-young, declared Jeon not guilty of violating the Political Funds Act. The prosecution had previously requested a three-year prison sentence and a fine of 100 million won during the closing arguments.
The court stated, "Jeon cannot be considered a person engaged in political activities under the Political Funds Act," and concluded that the funds in question could not be classified as political funds. Even if Jeon were viewed as a political actor, the court found no evidence that the funds were provided for political activities, nor was there definitive proof that the funds were actually transferred.
Jeon was accused of receiving approximately 100 million won in illegal funds from a candidate during the 2018 local elections in exchange for securing a nomination for the Yeongcheon mayoral race. He has consistently denied the allegations, claiming the funds were for prayer and activity expenses.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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