Ex-Lawmaker Yoon Kwan-suk Sentenced to Prison with Probation in 2nd Trial for '20 Million Won Bribe'

Former lawmaker Yoon Kwan-suk of the Democratic Party, who was indicted on charges of receiving tens of millions of won in bribes in exchange for legislative favors, has been sentenced to prison with probation in his second trial.

This overturns the not-guilty verdict from the first trial.

On October 16, the 6-2 Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Park Jung-je, Min Dal-ki, and Kim Jong-woo) sentenced Yoon, who was brought to trial on charges including bribery, to one year in prison suspended for two years, along with a fine of 20 million won and approximately 14 million won in forfeiture.

The court found Yoon guilty on most charges of receiving cash, valuables, and entertainment worth over 20 million won—including golf course usage fees—from a bathroom fixture manufacturer representative surnamed Song between June 2017 and March 2023, in exchange for requests to help amend laws related to water-saving equipment.

Specifically, the court ruled that Yoon received 14 million won worth of cash and valuables from Song and had him donate a total of 8.5 million won in political contributions to fellow Democratic Party lawmakers close to Yoon.

The court stated, "Although the defendant argues that this was a natural exchange based on personal ties, even if a personal relationship exists, the provision of money, valuables, and entertainment can constitute a bribe at a point when specific pending issues and job-relatedness are clearly established."

It further pointed out, "Song made requests regarding the amendment of the Housing Act and specific business issues while playing golf with the defendant, and the payment of usage fees took place while the defendant explicitly recognized this," adding, "As a three-term lawmaker who received multiple legislative requests along with cash, valuables, and entertainment, it is sufficient to raise public suspicion regarding the fairness of official duties."

The court also determined, "The defendant fulfilled Song's requests by questioning the amendment of the Housing Act during a parliamentary audit," and concluded that "a quid pro quo relationship between the provision of money, valuables, and entertainment and the requests is recognized."

Regarding the sentencing, the court rebuked, "Despite being a three-term lawmaker and the secretary of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee who had a constitutional duty of integrity, he received money and valuables from a businessman along with requests," noting that "this severely undermined public trust in the fairness of legislation and tarnished the honor of the vast majority of lawmakers."

Following the sentencing, Yoon told reporters, "This case began as political suppression by the Yoon Suk Yeol prosecution and involved illegal collateral investigations," adding, "I cannot accept the court's decision, so I will discuss it with my legal counsel and immediately appeal to the Supreme Court."

Previously, the first-trial court had acquitted Yoon, ruling that the evidence submitted by prosecutors alone was insufficient to conclusively prove that Yoon received the money and valuables as compensation related to his duties as a lawmaker beyond personal friendship, or that he recognized them as bribes provided in exchange for requests.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.