Kim Geon-hee Special Counsel Expands Search and Seizure to Lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong's Residence

The Kim Geon-hee special counsel has launched a search and seizure operation at the residence of lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong.

On the 18th, the special counsel team investigating allegations surrounding Kim Geon-hee, the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, conducted a search at the residence of Kwon Seong-dong, a five-term member of the National Assembly and representative of Gangneung, following searches at his National Assembly and district offices.

Earlier, the Kim Geon-hee special counsel (led by special prosecutor Min Joong-gi) sent investigators to Kwon’s office at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, in the morning to secure materials from PCs and other sources.

The special counsel was also reported to have carried out a search at Kwon’s district office in Gangneung earlier that day.

The special counsel explained that they are investigating allegations that Jeon Seong-bae of the so-called "Geonjin Temple" and Yoon, the former head of the Unification Church's global headquarters, attempted to support Kwon by getting members of the Unification Church to join the People Power Party ahead of the party leader election in January 2023.

Meanwhile, Kwon denounced the search, stating, "It is a typical abuse of power for the special counsel to conduct searches of both my office and residence for political purposes, as it amounts to oppression of the opposition."

He further claimed, "I have no knowledge of or involvement with the so-called Geonjin Temple or Unification Church affiliates regarding the receipt of money or valuables. I have never received any funds from the Unification Church."

Kwon asserted, "Conducting a search without securing new evidence regarding my office is a typical oppression of the opposition. There is also a problem with the court's warrant judge who indiscriminately issues warrants without any substantiating evidence."

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