Jeon Kwang-hoon questioned as suspect over alleged 10.2 billion won in illegal political funds

Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon appeared before police for questioning over allegations that Sarang Jeil Church provided more than 10 billion won in illegal political funds to the Liberty Unification Party.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s anti-corruption investigation unit summoned Jeon on Sept. 2 as a suspect on suspicion of violating the Political Funds Act. Investigators are examining claims that Jeon and the church supplied the party with political funds worth about 10.2 billion won.

The National Election Commission filed a complaint against six people, including Jeon, in December last year. The commission believes Sarang Jeil Church collected donations and other contributions from 2020 through 2025, then lent about 10.2 billion won to the Liberty Unification Party. It says the principal was barely repaid.

South Korea’s Political Funds Act prohibits domestic and foreign corporations and organizations from donating political funds. It also bars anyone from contributing political funds using money connected to a corporation or organization. Violations can carry a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine of up to 10 million won.