Democratic Party Money Envelope Allegation: Assemblyman Lee Seong-man Appears Before Prosecutors "Will Prove Innocence"

Independent lawmaker Lee Seong-man, suspected of involvement in the distribution of cash envelopes within the Democratic Party of Korea during the 2021 party convention, appeared at the prosecution office on the 19th.

Independent Assemblyman Lee Sung-man
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Young-chul) summoned Lee as a suspect on charges including violation of the Political Parties Act on the morning of the same day. Before entering the Central District Prosecutors' Office building, Lee said, "To journalists and the public, I will sincerely and confidently cooperate with the prosecution investigation to clarify the facts," adding, "I will prove my innocence."

He continued, "I hope the prosecution investigation will not be a predetermined conclusion based on a scripted scenario. I will firmly oppose attempts to convict me through a public trial by illegally leaking unconfirmed allegations and exaggerating suspicions," and added, "Furthermore, I deeply regret the circumstances in which the investigation schedule and details are being leaked in real time."

When asked by reporters whether he denies the charges, he replied, "I neither gave nor delivered any money."

The prosecution plans to verify the process of procuring and delivering the cash envelopes and identify the specific recipients involved.

Lee is suspected of involvement in the process where 9 million won out of 10 million won in cash, prepared by a friend of former Incheon City Political Affairs Deputy Mayor Cho Taek-sang for the purpose of electing former party leader Song Young-gil in March 2021 ahead of the party convention, was passed through former Korea Water Resources Corporation Standing Auditor Kang Rae-gu to regional headquarters chiefs.

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