Veterans Affairs "Gwangbokhoe Confirmed to Have Improperly Used National Assembly Cafe Profits"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced that Gwangbokhoe has confirmed the improper use of profits from the National Assembly cafe business and decided to request an investigation.

In a press release distributed on the 10th, the Ministry stated, "As a result of a special audit of Gwangbokhoe, it was confirmed that the profits from the National Assembly cafe business (Heritage815) were improperly used in ways inconsistent with the organization's founding purpose, and that the Gwangbokhoe Hall was arbitrarily used by private companies in relation to the aggregate business. Therefore, we have decided to request an investigation and proceed with procedures to revoke approval of the relevant profit-making business."

The Ministry explained that Gwangbokhoe raised 61 million won by using intermediaries of the National Assembly cafe through methods such as false orders or excessive cost accounting, and also created slush funds by arbitrarily using cash sales from the National Assembly cafe.

In particular, "Among the slush funds, 10 million won was deposited into the account of Gwangbokhoe President Kim Won-woong, then converted to cash through several steps before being used. The remaining funds were executed by having intermediaries pay on behalf when funds were needed," adding that it was also confirmed that the slush funds were used for private purposes such as purchasing suits for President Kim.

It further stated, "Whether the Gwangbokhoe President gave instructions, approved, or tacitly allowed the creation and operation of slush funds and misconduct related to the aggregate business will be confirmed through the investigation."

The Ministry said, "We will instruct Gwangbokhoe to report the audit results to the board of directors and administratively guide them to take disciplinary actions against the Gwangbokhoe President and those involved in the aggregate business misconduct according to the articles of association."

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