Kweon Seong‑dong receives two‑year prison term Seoul Central District Court sentenced the five‑term People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker to two years in prison on Jan 28 2026 for accepting 100 million won (≈US$70,336) from a former Unification Church official, violating campaign‑finance rules [1]. The judgment follows a trial that began in late 2025 and marks a rare conviction of a high‑ranking opposition figure. The court ordered immediate incarceration, underscoring the seriousness of illicit political donations.

Special counsel originally sought four‑year imprisonment Prosecutors led by special counsel Min Joong‑ki requested a four‑year term, arguing that Kweon’s acceptance of the money in Jan 2022 constituted a grave breach of political‑fund regulations [1]. They highlighted the donation’s source and timing to demonstrate systematic abuse of influence. The request reflected the investigative team’s intent to set a deterrent precedent for future violations.

Court emphasizes lawmakers’ constitutional duty In its ruling, the court stressed that elected officials must act according to conscience and national interest, noting Kweon’s conduct abandoned public expectations and his constitutional responsibilities [1]. The statement framed the offense as not merely a financial infraction but a violation of democratic ethics. It reiterated the judiciary’s role in upholding integrity among legislators.

Kweon held senior PPP leadership and Yoon ties Prior to his conviction, Kweon served as PPP floor leader until June 2025 and was known as a close confidant of former President Yoon Suk‑yeol, positioning him at the core of party strategy and legislative negotiations [1]. His sentencing removes a prominent figure from the opposition’s leadership ranks. Analysts view the outcome as a significant blow to the party’s internal cohesion.

Arrest, indictment, and trial timeline documented Special counsel agents arrested Kweon in September 2025 and formally indicted him the following month, initiating the legal process that culminated in the Jan 2026 verdict [1]. A courtroom photo taken on Nov 3 2025 captured Kweon attending the hearing, illustrating the case’s public visibility. Media coverage of the trial emphasized the authorities’ resolve to pursue high‑level corruption.