'Geonjin Beopsa' Acquitted in First Trial Over Political Fund Allegations

Jeon Seong-bae, widely known as 'Geonjin Beopsa,' has been acquitted in the first trial of charges related to receiving hundreds of millions of won in political funds by allegedly promising nominations for the local elections.

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While it appears that Jeon was involved in political activities, such as providing political advice to lawmaker Yoon Han-hong and assisting the Yoon Suk-yeol campaign, he does not meet the criteria of a person engaged in political activities as defined by the Political Funds Act.

The Seoul Southern District Court's single-judge panel ruled on June 29 that Jeon and other defendants involved in the alleged illegal exchange of political funds during the 2018 local elections were not guilty. The presiding judge, Go So-young, determined that Jeon did not fall under the definition of a person engaged in political activities as stipulated by the Political Funds Act.

While acknowledging Jeon's frequent contact and political advice to then-Liberty Korea Party (predecessor to the People Power Party) lawmaker Yoon Han-hong, and his informal assistance to former President Yoon Suk-yeol's campaign, the court stated that Jeon did not hold key positions in a political party or have plans to run for office. Therefore, he could not be considered someone actively engaged in political activities under the law. Furthermore, the court found insufficient evidence to prove that the funds were intended for political activities or were definitively transferred to other politicians.

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Even if Jeon is considered to be engaged in political activities, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that the funds in question were provided for political activities or were definitively transferred to other politicians.

The court also acquitted Jeon of fraud charges, which were added by prosecutors in December. The ruling stated there was insufficient evidence to suggest Jeon intended to defraud the victim from the outset by promising nomination activities. The court noted that Jeon did make efforts to secure the nomination after receiving the money and that a portion of the funds was returned after the complainant failed to secure the nomination. All other defendants, including those who allegedly provided the funds and a broker, were also acquitted.

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There is insufficient evidence to prove that Jeon intended to defraud the victim from the outset by promising nomination activities.