"Geonjin Beopsa Provided Spiritual Guidance to President Yoon and His Wife," Testified in Court... Proceedings to Conclude Next Month

[Financial News] Testimony was delivered in court that Geonjin Beopsa, Jeon Sung-bae, provided spiritual guidance to former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife.
On the 11th, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Agreement Division 27, presided over by Judge Insung Woo, held the third trial for Jeon Sung-bae, who is charged with violating the Political Funds Act and receiving bribes under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes.
During the trial, a witness examination was held for Kim, a broker who allegedly requested nominations and appointments from Jeon, including for Chang-wook Park as Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council member, the Commissioner of the National Tax Service, and police personnel.
Kim testified that he believed Jeon was someone capable of providing spiritual guidance to former President Yoon and his wife. When Jeon's attorney asked, 'Was Jeon someone who contributed to Yoon's election victory, or simply a close acquaintance?' Kim replied, 'He was close, but I also believe he contributed to the victory,' adding, 'Because he provided spiritual guidance to the presidential couple.'
When the court asked, 'Are you aware that Jeon provided spiritual guidance to the presidential couple?' Kim answered, 'Yes.' The court further inquired, 'Do you believe Jeon was capable of such guidance?' Kim responded that Jeon had offered advice during key moments, such as when Yoon was in conflict with then-Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae during his tenure as Prosecutor General and when he was reassigned to the Daegu High Prosecutors' Office, helping to guide him through those times.
Kim stated, 'When former President Yoon was reassigned to the Daegu High Prosecutors' Office, he considered resigning and consulted Jeon, who told him, "Do not resign. You will meet a benefactor there," so he did not resign.' Kim continued, 'When Ahn Cheol-soo wanted to recruit him as a Member of the National Assembly, Jeon advised against it, saying, "A greater benefactor will come." Similarly, when Yang Jeong-cheol from the Institute for Democracy tried to recruit him to the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Jeon said, "Do not do that either." When Yoon asked, "Then what should I do?" Jeon told him, "Run for president."'
When the court asked about the relationship between Kim Keon-hee and Jeon, Kim explained, 'In the early days of the administration, Kim Keon-hee would call Jeon first and relied on him for spiritual support. I heard from Jeon that Kim Keon-hee had trouble sleeping and needed medication, and Jeon helped to comfort her. Even when traveling to places like Bali, she would call Jeon to ask whom she should be cautious of. As long as the Yoon couple did not sever ties, I believe Jeon continued to have influence.'
Meanwhile, the court announced plans to conclude the first trial within this year. The court aims to wrap up the hearings swiftly, targeting either the 15th or 23rd of next month for the final arguments.
theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter