Korean Bar Association moves to revoke ex-lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong's license after prison sentence

The Korean Bar Association has initiated proceedings to revoke the license of former lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong, following his confirmed prison sentence for violating the Political Funds Act. The Ministry of Justice notified the association on August 14th, triggering the process to strip Kwon of his legal credentials.

Kwon Seong-dong, a former member of the People Power Party, was convicted of receiving 100 million won (approximately $72,000 USD) in political funds from a Unification Church official in exchange for political support. He was sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court on July 16th. This conviction also led to the forfeiture of his seat in the National Assembly.

South Korea's Attorneys-at-Law Act stipulates that individuals sentenced to imprisonment or a heavier penalty, whose sentence has not yet been completed, are disqualified from practicing law. Kwon, who passed the bar exam in 1985 and served as a prosecutor before entering politics, had been a licensed lawyer since 2006.

The legal proceedings against Kwon stem from allegations that he received illegal political funds in 2022. The case has drawn significant attention due to Kwon's prominent political career and the nature of the charges. His disqualification from the legal profession marks a significant consequence of the conviction, impacting his professional standing and future career prospects.

Kwon's legal troubles began with the charges related to political funding, leading to a judicial process that culminated in the Supreme Court's final ruling. The subsequent action by the Korean Bar Association underscores the strict regulations governing legal professionals in South Korea and the consequences of criminal convictions.