Hundreds of Millions of Won in Illegal Funds Found to be Used for Rep. Lee’s Election Campaign

On May 10, the Seoul District Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigation Department III (chief prosecutor: Hong Man-pyo), which is investigating suspicions concerning Korail (Korea Railroad Company) investments in Russian oil fields, sought an arrest warrant for Mr. Ji on charges of violating the law on election campaign funding. Mr. Ji (50) was the Pyeongchang campaign office liaison chief of Uri Party lawmaker Lee Gwang-jae (representing Taebaek, Yeongwol, Pyeongchang, and Jeongseon in Gangwon Province).

Mr. Ji is charged with receiving 80 million won in illegal campaign fund from real estate developer Jeon Dae-wol.

The prosecution said that Mr. Ji spent most of the money repaying his debts and several million won electioneering for Rep. Lee. But Mr. Ji stated that he did not report that to Rep. Lee.

On the same day, the prosecution also imposed a foreign travel ban on aides to Rep. Lee.

The prosecution summoned Korail Project Development Director Wang Young-yong and Industrial Policy Secretariat of Cheong Wa Dae Kim Gyeong-sik (46) and questioned them to find out more specific details about Mr. Wang’s briefing to Mr. Kim.

woogija@donga.com