'Geonjin Beopsa' Acquitted in First Trial Over Alleged Nomination Bribes: "Not Political Funds"

Jeon Seong-bae, known as 'Geonjin Beopsa,' has been acquitted of charges that he received 100 million won in exchange for securing a nomination for the Liberty Korea Party's Yeongcheon mayoral candidate in 2018.

Judge Ko So-young of the 9th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court delivered the not-guilty verdict today (June 29) in the trial of Jeon, who had been charged with violating the Political Funds Act, stating that "the money cannot be considered political funds."

Jeon was accused of receiving approximately 100 million won in illegal funds from a candidate under the guise of "prayer fees" in January 2018, ahead of the 7th nationwide local elections, with the promise of securing a nomination for the Yeongcheon mayoral race from the Liberty Korea Party, the predecessor to the People Power Party.

Previously, the prosecution had requested a three-year prison sentence and a forfeiture of 100 million won for Jeon.

Jeon had denied the charges, claiming the money was for prayer fees and operational expenses.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
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