Kweon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party, appeared for the special prosecutor's investigation related to the 'Unification Church solicitation allegations' on the 27th.
On that day, around 9:47 a.m., Kweon arrived at the special prosecutor's office located in the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Kweon was seen wearing a black suit with a red tie.
Kweon said to reporters upon his arrival, "I am innocent regarding the various allegations raised by the special prosecutor's side, and that is why I am confident." He added, "The special prosecutor has been leaking confidential investigation details in collusion with certain media, not only publicizing the facts of the case but also defaming me."
He also said, "Although I was politically oppressed during the Moon Jae-in administration, I was acquitted in all three trials, and I will testify honestly again this time and ensure my innocence."
Kweon remarked, "Even if the special prosecutor takes extreme actions, they cannot create a false crime, nor can they uproot the democracy and the foundation of the People Power Party in Korea."
Later, when asked by reporters if he had ever received political funds of 100 million won from former Unification Church CEO Yoon Young-ho, he stated, "As I have clarified several times, I have not received any money or valuables from any personnel related to the Unification Church."
Around 10:18 a.m. on that day, members of the Democratic Party of Korea arrived in front of the special prosecutor's office to file a complaint against Kweon for alleged violations of the Political Funds Act.
Democratic Party of Korea member Lee Seong-yoon said, "They should have summoned Kweon earlier for investigation, but it seems to be a bit late," adding, "Today, the commissioners of the Democratic Party's Special Response Committee will file a complaint against Kweon with the special prosecutor."
Democratic Party of Korea member Jang Kyung-tae said, "Kweon may have entered freely, but I expect he will not be able to leave as he wishes."
The special prosecutor believes that Kweon received illegal political funds from a former Unification Church executive in connection with the Unification Church solicitation allegations. Previously, the special prosecutor arrested and indicted Yoon, the former head of the Unification Church, for allegedly handing Kwon 100 million won in cash on the 18th.
There has also been an allegation that June Jun-seong and former CEO Yoon tried to make Kweon the party leader by bringing a large number of Unification Church members to join the People Power Party ahead of its convention in January 2023.
Earlier, on the 18th of last month, the special prosecutor conducted searches of Kweon's residence, National Assembly office, and regional office in Gangneung. They also attempted to search the central party headquarters to secure the People Power Party membership list but were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the special prosecutor summoned Cho Young-tak, the CEO of IMS Mobility, as a suspect in connection with the 'housekeeper gate' at 10 a.m. on that day. This is the third investigation following the ones on the 2nd and 20th.
The special prosecutor refers to the allegations related to IMS Mobility as housekeeper gate. The term housekeeper gate mentioned by the special prosecutor involves suspicions that corporations invested in a company where Kim Ye-seong, who was called the housekeeper of Kim's family, served as a director. IMS Mobility, which Kim was involved in operating, has been in the red since its establishment in 2013. In June 2023, nine companies, including Kakao Mobility, HS HYOSUNG, Shinhan Bank, Kiwoom Securities, and Korea Securities Finance, invested 18.4 billion won through funds in this company.
At the time of the investment, the corporations were under investigation by the prosecution, indicating legal risks. There are allegations that Kim utilized his relationship with Kim to resolve these risks and that the investments were made with such expectations.