Convicted ex-lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong hopes political retribution ends with him

Kwon Seong-dong, a former member of the People Power Party who has lost his legislative seat after his conviction for receiving illegal political funds, stated on the 16th that he hopes political retribution will end with him. Kwon was sentenced to two years in prison and forfeiture of 100 million won for receiving illegal political funds from the Unification Church.

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I hope that political retribution will end with me.

In a statement, Kwon expressed deep regret over the court's factual findings and legal application but said he would humbly accept the Supreme Court's final decision. He recalled his announcement last September to give up his parliamentary immunity, which he attributed to his belief in his innocence and confidence. However, he made a fervent plea: "Please, let the political retribution end with me."

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I cannot hide my deep regret over the factual judgment and legal application. I will humbly accept the Supreme Court's final decision.

Kwon emphasized that defeating political opponents should not be the purpose of politics. He argued that mobilizing state institutions to bring down one person or shaking laws and systems to dismantle a political party must stop. Following the verdict, People Power Party floor leader Chung Jin-suk stated that while the Supreme Court's decision would be accepted, he criticized the special prosecutor's investigation into Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo's bribery allegations, claiming the statute of limitations had expired and that investigations were selectively targeted at opposition politicians. Chung asserted that such biased investigations would face historical judgment.

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Last September, I announced that I would give up my parliamentary immunity. It was because I was innocent and confident.