Should a Shaman Be Arrested in the South Korean Bribery Scandal Involving the Former First Lady?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A shaman at the center of a growing bribery scandal involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee faces an arrest warrant in South Korea. As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about political influence and corruption within the highest echelons of power. This scandal could reshape the political landscape in South Korea.
Key Takeaways
- Special counsel seeks arrest of shaman implicated in bribery scandal.
- Jeon Seong-bae allegedly offered luxury gifts to former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
- Concerns regarding potential evidence tampering and flight risk.
- Investigation includes ties to the Unification Church and political influence.
- Former first lady faces serious corruption charges.
Seoul, Aug 19 (NationPress) A special counsel team in South Korea has submitted a request for a court warrant to detain a shaman central to a rapidly escalating bribery and influence-peddling scandal involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee, according to officials.
The special counsel, led by Min Joong-ki, filed the application for the arrest of Jeon Seong-bae on accusations of bribery and violations of political funding laws, as stated by Assistant Special Prosecutor Park Sang-jin in a media briefing reported by Yonhap News Agency.
Park indicated that Jeon represents a significant risk of evading justice or tampering with evidence, citing discrepancies in his testimonies during questioning.
Jeon is alleged to have gifted Kim a diamond necklace and Chanel bags on behalf of the Unification Church from April to August 2022. He purportedly delivered requests for business favors from the church alongside these luxury items.
While he acknowledged receiving such requests, Jeon refuted the bribery claims, asserting that he misplaced the necklace and bags before delivering them to the former first lady.
Additionally, Jeon is under suspicion for accepting funds from potential candidates prior to the June 2022 general elections in exchange for relaying their nomination requests to Kim.
The special counsel is investigating accusations that Jeon and a Unification Church official, known only as Yoon, attempted to recruit church members to join the People Power Party to influence its leadership contest in 2023, favoring Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, who has close ties to former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Yoon, the church official, has been indicted for allegedly delivering the luxury gifts to Jeon in 2022.
On Monday, the former first lady visited the special counsel's office for a second round of questioning, occurring less than a week after her arrest due to corruption allegations.
Kim arrived at special counsel Min Joong-ki's office in central Seoul via a prison van for the questioning.
The spouse of former President Yoon Suk Yeol was taken into custody at a detention center in southwestern Seoul last week following a court's warrant for her arrest on charges of participating in a stock manipulation scheme, interfering in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and the 2024 general elections, and receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church through a shaman in exchange for business favors.
Point of View
I view the unfolding events surrounding the bribery scandal involving the former first lady and the implicated shaman as a critical reflection of the ongoing challenges within South Korea's political landscape. The necessity for transparency and accountability is paramount, and this case could serve as a pivotal moment for reform.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Jeon Seong-bae?
Jeon Seong-bae faces charges of bribery and violation of laws related to political funds, as he allegedly provided gifts to former first lady Kim Keon Hee in exchange for business favors.
Why is the arrest warrant significant?
The arrest warrant signifies the gravity of the bribery scandal and the potential implications for political accountability and reform in South Korea.
What role did the Unification Church play?
The Unification Church is accused of facilitating the exchange of luxury gifts for political favors, linking it to broader allegations of influence peddling.
How has the public reacted to this scandal?
Public reaction has been one of outrage and concern regarding corruption at high governmental levels, sparking discussions about the need for political reform.
What are the next steps in the investigation?
The special counsel will continue to gather evidence and question individuals involved, including further inquiries into the activities of both Jeon Seong-bae and Kim Keon Hee.
