In a developing political scandal, Jeon Seong-bae, known as 'Geonjin Lawyer,' is facing serious allegations of receiving illicit funds in connection with the 2018 local elections in South Korea. On April 7, 2025, Jeon appeared at the Seoul Southern District Court for the first hearing of his trial, where he is accused of violating the Political Funds Act by accepting over 100 million won (approximately $85,000) from Jeong, a prospective candidate seeking nomination for the Yeongcheon mayoral election.
The controversy surrounding Jeon, who has been linked to former President Yoon Seok-yeol, intensified when former national soccer player Lee Chun-soo testified that he witnessed Jeon making a phone call to Assemblyman Yoon Han-hong to facilitate the nomination process. Lee, who has maintained a close relationship with Jeon since his retirement from soccer, was reportedly present during the cash exchange, raising eyebrows about the nature of the transaction.
During the hearing, Jeon acknowledged receiving money but claimed he was not involved in any political activities at the time, arguing that the charges against him are unfounded. "I was not a political actor in 2018, so the violation of the Political Funds Act does not apply to me," Jeon's lawyer stated in court.
The prosecution alleges that Jeon leveraged his connections with Yoon Han-hong, a member of the ruling People Power Party (formerly the Liberty Korea Party), to secure the funds. They assert that Jeong delivered the illicit cash to Jeon at his residence and law office in Gangnam, Seoul, in January 2018, just months before the local elections. This transaction was reportedly conducted in a manner that allowed Lee Chun-soo to witness the event, as it was purportedly carried out on speakerphone.
Lee Chun-soo's testimony has become a focal point of the trial. He confirmed that he was present when Jeon received the money and described seeing the name 'Yoon Han-hong' on Jeon's phone during the call. However, Lee later expressed doubts about categorizing the funds as political donations, suggesting they were not intended for political purposes.
Jeon and Jeong have both maintained that the money was given as a donation for prayer services, not as a bribe for political favors. They assert that the funds were returned after the transaction, denying any wrongdoing. Jeong's legal team has echoed this sentiment, arguing that the money was simply a means to gain favor and not a violation of political funding laws.
In response to inquiries about his relationship with former President Yoon, Jeon stated, "I hope the people of South Korea are at peace," but declined to elaborate further. His connections to Yoon and the alleged use of this relationship to gain political leverage have drawn significant media attention and public scrutiny.
The trial is set against a backdrop of increasing calls for transparency and accountability in South Korean politics, particularly regarding the influence of personal relationships on political processes. Jeon's case highlights the ongoing concerns about corruption and the integrity of political funding in the country.
As the trial continues, many are watching closely to see how the court will interpret the evidence presented, particularly Lee Chun-soo's testimony and the nature of the financial transactions involved. The next hearing is scheduled for May 12, 2025, where further evidence will be examined, and more witnesses may be called to testify.
This case is just one of many that have emerged in recent years, reflecting a broader issue of corruption within South Korea's political landscape. The implications of Jeon's trial could resonate beyond the courtroom, potentially affecting public trust in political institutions and the ruling party.
In a society where political scandals have become increasingly common, this trial serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and reform in the political arena. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the outcome of Jeon Seong-bae's trial may play a pivotal role in shaping the future of political practices in South Korea.
