"Resign", "Feels like a gangster movie"... Political circles criticize Jeon Bong-min over suspected illicit gift-giving

Jeon Bong-min Suspected of Favoritism in Work Allocation from Father's Company
"Rep. Jeon's Rapid Wealth Increase Raises 'Dad Chance' Suspicion," Criticized by Ruling Party

Jeon Bong-min, Member of the People Power Party / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Voices of criticism are rising within the political sphere against former People Power Party lawmaker Jeon Bong-min, who has been suspected of corruption in the process of wealth accumulation.

On the 21st, the Democratic Party of Korea called for Jeon’s resignation from his parliamentary seat and party-level disciplinary action. Choi In-ho, the chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a written comment, "We urge the relevant authorities to immediately investigate the corruption allegations and illegal wealth accumulation involving Jeon Bong-min and his family, and we call for Jeon’s resignation. The People Power Party should take disciplinary measures such as expulsion."

He added, "According to media reports, Jeon’s wealth increased 130-fold in 12 years, but there are suspicions that this remarkable success started with a 'dad chance' (using family connections). Favoring certain companies with contracts and subcontracting are considered illicit gifts and violations of the Fair Trade Act," he pointed out.

The Justice Party also urged a party-level investigation into Jeon.

Jang Tae-su, spokesperson for the Justice Party, said in a morning statement, "There should be an immediate investigation not only into the violation of the Anti-Graft Act but also into the allegations of breach of duty by Jeon’s family company," and emphasized, "The National Tax Service should conduct a special tax audit regarding the suspicions of illicit gifts."

In particular, regarding reports that Jeon’s father, Jeon Gwang-su, chairman of Ijin General Construction, offered a large bribe to a reporter on the condition of suppressing the related allegations, Jang strongly criticized, saying, "The offer of 30 million won to suppress the report along with the statement 'let’s go together until we die' sounded like a line from a gangster movie. It is shocking in itself."

He continued, "Citizens can no longer tolerate a 'second Park Deok-heum' and demand an investigation into the allegations against Jeon and his family."

On the 20th, MBC's 'Straight' reported that Jeon Gwang-su, chairman of Ijin Construction and father of Jeon Bong-min, a member of the People Power Party, offered a large bribe to the press on the condition of suppressing reports on illicit gift-giving. / Photo by MBC YouTube capture

Earlier, on the 20th, MBC’s investigative program "Straight" raised suspicions that the family of Jeon Bong-min, who declared the largest wealth among the 21st National Assembly members, accumulated wealth unfairly through illicit gifts and benefits.

In the broadcast, MBC reported that the company established by Jeon and his siblings received large-scale subcontracting and apartment sales projects from Ijin General Construction, owned by their father Jeon Gwang-su, leading to rapid sales growth, raising suspicions of illicit gifts such as "favoring contracts" and "subcontracting."

According to the broadcast, Jeon founded a construction company called "Dongsu Construction" with his two younger brothers in 2008. The company initially had no significant performance, but in 2013, it recorded sales of around 20 billion won, all from subcontracted construction work from Ijin General Construction. Notably, in 2014, 60% of the 50.6 billion won sales came from subcontracted projects from Ijin General Construction.

Regarding these suspicions, MBC reporters asked Chairman Jeon Gwang-su about illicit gifts and benefits. In response, Chairman Jeon said, "I’ll bring 30 million won. Once a connection is made, it lasts until the end." MBC reported that the journalist who received this offer refused the solicitation, notified that it was a violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, and is considering whether to file a complaint.

Meanwhile, according to a report by Yonhap News on the 21st, Jeon’s side reportedly stated that there is no problem with the process of wealth accumulation. However, they have not issued an official statement regarding Chairman Jeon’s remarks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.