Former President Yoon Suk-yeol's social ties were showcased as potential involvement in various interests, with 'Geonjin Beopsa' Jeon Seong-bae mentioned in a trial.
On the 7th, a preliminary hearing on the violation of the Political Funds Act against Jeon was held at the Seoul Southern District Court presided over by Judge Ko So-young.
Jeon was charged with accepting over 100 million won in illegal political funds from candidate Jeong Mo, who ran in the primary of the Liberty Korea Party (now the People Power Party) ahead of the 2018 7th nationwide local elections.
At that time, it was investigated that Jeon received money by leveraging his friendship with People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Han-hong.
During the evidence investigation process to determine the admissibility of evidence, Lee Cheon-soo was mentioned. He was present at the scene when Jeon received over 100 million won and is reported to have testified as a witness to prosecutors. The prosecution submitted the testimony report to the court.
Lee is said to have maintained his acquaintance with Geonjin Beopsa after retiring from football.
On that day, Jeon's attorney claimed, 'Jeon was not a person engaged in political activities in 2018,' and argued that the violation of the Political Funds Act does not apply.
After the trial, when Jeon was asked about former President Yoon's impeachment, he responded, 'It's not something to ask an ordinary person,' while also saying, 'All the people of South Korea are saddened by that.' He did not answer questions such as, 'What is your relationship with former President Yoon and his wife?'
The court set the next trial date for the 12th of next month.