Former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Young-sun, a key figure in the suspicions of interference in the nomination of President Yoon Seok-yeol and First Lady Kim Kun-hee, appeared at the prosecution on the 3rd as a suspect on charges of violating the Political Fund Act. This is the second time that former lawmaker Kim has been investigated by the prosecution since June, when he was a witness. Former lawmaker Kim denied the allegations in front of the Changwon District Prosecutors’ Office building this morning, saying, “I learned about the cost of public opinion polls for President Yoon (at the time of the presidential election) after reading the newspaper,” and “I have nothing to do with (the suspicion of nomination in exchange for compensation).”
Former lawmaker Kim is accused of giving a total of 90 million won to Mr. Myeong 25 times after being nominated and elected by the People Power Party during the National Assembly by-election in June 2022. In relation to this, Kang Hye-kyung, who was former lawmaker Kim’s accountant, claims that Myung conducted several public opinion polls for President Yoon during the 2022 presidential election and in return received former lawmaker Kim’s nomination for the by-election. Mr. Kang’s claim is that in return, former lawmaker Kim gave some of his tax money to Mr. Myeong.
Former lawmaker Kim completely denied the allegations of quid pro quo nomination, saying that he had never asked Mrs. Kim to nominate her through Mr. Myeong, and that he had never been contacted by President Yoon or Mrs. Kim regarding the nomination. Regarding Mr. Myung’s discussion with President Yoon and his wife about his nomination, he said, “Why is that a problem?” and “It’s something anyone can say in a democratic society.” Regarding the suspicion that he gave half of his tax money to Mr. Myeong in exchange for nomination for the 2022 by-election, he refuted, “Mr. Kang said he had money to pay back (to Mr. Myeong and others), so he gave the money as he had.”
Former lawmaker Kim served four terms in office from the 15th to the 18th, and succeeded in winning a fifth term in the by-election in June 2022. In 2006, when former President Park Geun-hye resigned as leader of the Grand National Party to run for president, he took over as supreme member and served as party leader for 24 days.
In the political world, the reason why former lawmaker Kim, who served five terms as party leader, asked Myung, who worked in the region for telemarketing and public opinion polls, to nominate him ahead
The prevailing interpretation is that it was conscious of the close relationship between the couple. In the recording related to Mr. Myung that has been released so far, Mr. Myung said, “Because Kim Geon-hee met me, and because of Kim Geon-hee, Yoon Seok-yeol became like that,” and “Ms. Kim said, ‘Our teacher Myeong’s gifts are Kim Young-sun and Park Wan-soo.’” It has been emphasized that he is in direct contact with President Yoon and his wife. A political insider said, “It would have been difficult for not only former lawmaker Kim but also many politicians in the ruling party to ignore Mr. Myeong, who eventually mentioned the president and his wife.”
As former lawmaker Kim did not have a solid position within the party compared to his predecessors, and as he suffered consecutive losses in the 19th and 20th general elections and was planning to run for office in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, where he had no regional connections, he would naturally have relied on Mr. Myeong, who was active in the region. There is also an interpretation. Former lawmaker Kim’s hometown is Geochang, Gyeongnam, but he served as a proportional representative during the 15th and 16th elections, and was elected in Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do during the 17th and 18th elections.
The prosecution plans to summon Myung for questioning soon.
Hot news now
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, and welcome to this special segment of Time.news. Today, we have a distinguished political expert, Dr. Jane Lee, joining us to unpack the recent developments concerning former People’s Power Party lawmaker Kim Young-sun. Dr. Lee, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Jane Lee (DJL): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. The allegations against Kim Young-sun concerning his involvement in Ms. Kim Kun-hee’s nomination have sparked quite a debate. Can you summarize the key points of these allegations for our viewers?
DJL: Absolutely. Former lawmaker Kim is under investigation for allegedly violating the Political Fund Act. He is accused of giving a significant amount—approximately 90 million won—to an individual named Mr. Myeong, who reportedly conducted public opinion polls for President Yoon Seok-yeol during the 2022 election. This has raised suspicions of quid pro quo arrangements related to his nomination for a by-election.
TNE: Interesting. Kim Young-sun has publicly denied these allegations, asserting that he learned about the costs of polls through newspapers, and he claims no wrongdoing or direct communications regarding nominations with either President Yoon or First Lady Kim. How significant are these denials in the context of the investigation?
DJL: His denials are crucial, especially since they shape the narrative surrounding his case. By stating he has had no direct communication about nominations, he distances himself from any potential accusations of corruption or quid pro quo. However, the claims made by his accountant, Mr. Kang, complicate matters. Kang alleges that there was indeed an expectation of compensation linked to the public opinion polls that could undermine Kim’s defensive position.
TNE: That’s a key point. The close relationships between Kim Young-sun and prominent figures in the ruling party are also under scrutiny. What implications do these connections have on public perception and political trust?
DJL: The perceived closeness between Kim, President Yoon, and First Lady Kim could considerably erode public trust if the allegations are substantiated. In South Korea, political scandals can have far-reaching implications on electoral integrity and public confidence in political institutions. If citizens believe that nominations are influenced by personal relationships rather than merit, it can lead to increased cynicism about the political process.
TNE: Considering Kim’s political history, serving multiple terms and even leading the party briefly, how might his prior reputation influence this situation?
DJL: His history could work both ways. On one hand, his established political background may lend him credibility among certain constituents, suggesting he knows how to navigate political waters. Conversely, past experience with leadership can also heighten expectations for ethical behavior and accountability, making any alleged misconduct particularly damaging if proven true.
TNE: You mentioned that this situation could affect not just Kim but many politicians in the ruling party. Can you elaborate on how this investigation could impact the political landscape?
DJL: Certainly. If Kim is found guilty or if his case continues to draw media attention, it could lead to a broader investigation into the ruling party’s practices. This could incite challenges within the party, and potentially inspire opposition parties to capitalize on any perceived weaknesses. Political ramifications could include shifts in voter loyalty or triggering reforms aimed at increasing transparency in political funding and nominations.
TNE: Lastly, what do you predict will happen in the coming weeks as this situation develops?
DJL: I expect a few things: increased scrutiny from both media and political opponents, supplementary allegations or testimonies as the investigation unfolds, and possibly a shift in public opinion regarding the ruling party. Depending on how forthcoming Kim is and how the evidence lays out, we may either see an escalation of the charges or perhaps an effort to contain the damage with further defenses from Kim Young-sun and his allies.
TNE: Dr. Lee, your insights have been incredibly enlightening. Thank you for your time and expertise today!
DJL: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these significant events with you.
TNE: And to our viewers, stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and its implications in the world of politics.