The Seoul High Court will deliver its verdict today on former lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong’s appeal in a case involving 100 million won in alleged illegal political funds from a Unification Church affiliate.
Hearing Schedule
Criminal Division 2-1 of the Seoul High Court, presided over by Judge Baek Sung-yeop alongside Judges Hwang Sung-tae and Kim Young-hyun, convenes the session at 10:30 a.m. to address the political funds violation charges against Kwon.
Case Background
In January 2022, ahead of the presidential election, Kwon received 100 million won from Yun Young-ho, then head of the Unification Church’s Seoul headquarters. Prosecutors allege the funds came in exchange for supporting the Yoon Suk-yeol campaign and church-related requests.
The initial trial court imposed a two-year probation sentence in January and ordered the confiscation of the 100 million won. Upholding this outcome would strip Kwon of his lawmaker status, marking a rare instance with no similar probation cases in the past decade.
The trial panel described the receipt of 100 million won in illegal funds as a grave violation of public trust and constitutional duties.
Prosecution Seeks Harsher Penalty
Prosecutors recommended a four-year prison term and a 100 million won fine during the January 21 appeal hearing. They described the transaction as an unprecedented scandal, criticized the first-instance sentence as overly lenient, and noted Kwon’s lack of remorse—he neither reflected on his actions nor returned the funds despite receiving a subpoena.
“Receiving 100 million won from the former headquarters chief is an undeniable fact,” prosecutors stated. “The first-trial sentence falls short of the minimum standard.”
Defense Position
Kwon maintains his innocence, asserting he performed public relations work at church headquarters. His legal team argues the special prosecutor’s evidence constitutes illegally obtained material, exempt from special investigation laws.
