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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

South Korean Lawmaker Accused of Bribery in Jeju Real Estate Deal

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • A victims' committee has filed a complaint against Moon Dae-lim, a member of the National Assembly for the Democratic Party, alleging bribery and influence peddling related to a Jeju apartment project.
  • The complaint accuses Moon and the project's developer of collusion, citing a leaked recording where Moon allegedly offered favors for political support.
  • Moon denies wrongdoing, stating he will cooperate with any investigation, while the developer's representative has no recollection of certain alleged events.

A group representing victims of an alleged real estate investment scam in Jeju has filed a criminal complaint against National Assembly member Moon Dae-lim and the developer of the 'Hyosung Harrington Place Jeju' apartment complex. The victims' committee accuses Moon of accepting bribes and engaging in influence peddling.

I will definitely become governor and serve you well.

— Moon Dae-limAllegedly said in a leaked recording to the developer's representative, implying a quid pro quo for political support.

The complaint, lodged with the Jeju Provincial Police Agency, stems from a leaked audio recording from before the 2022 local elections. At the time, Moon was the chairman of the Jeju Free International City Development Center. The recording allegedly captures Moon discussing political support with the developer's representative, identified as 'A,' and offering to use his influence with Jeju provincial officials to ease regulations for the apartment project.

In the recordings, Moon reportedly made statements such as, "I will definitely become governor and serve you well." The victims' committee argues that these interactions go beyond personal friendship and constitute an improper intervention in the party's decision-making and election process using corporate funds and organization. They are demanding a thorough investigation into whether political influence was exchanged for financial support or business favors.

I accept this with a heavy heart as a public servant for the residents. I did help with the party membership applications, but I do not see it as illegal.

— Moon Dae-limResponding to the allegations, acknowledging some actions but denying illegality.

Moon Dae-lim has acknowledged receiving the recordings but denies any illegal activity. He stated, "I accept this with a heavy heart as a public servant for the residents. I did help with the party membership applications, but I do not see it as illegal." He urged for a swift and transparent investigation based on objective evidence, cautioning against speculation and the spread of unconfirmed allegations. The developer's representative has reportedly stated he does not recall certain events mentioned.

He urged for a swift and transparent investigation based on objective evidence, cautioning against speculation and the spread of unconfirmed allegations.

— Moon Dae-limStating his desire for a thorough and fair investigation into the accusations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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