South Korean political scandals deepen as investigations target parties, prosecutors and officials

South Korea’s political landscape is facing intensified scrutiny across multiple fronts. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) is criticised for using pre‑arranged, non‑competitive procedures to select its standing committee and regional party chairpersons, prompting calls for genuine internal democracy and broader candidate pools.

Separately, opposition lawmaker Park Sun‑won alleged that former President Yoon Suk‑yeol directed the National Intelligence Service to compile a “security‑for‑the‑nation” list of politicians to justify a potential emergency martial‑law decree. The claim suggests misuse of intelligence agencies for political ends.

A comprehensive special investigation team has summoned former Unification Church leader Jeong Won‑ju, the ex‑secretary‑general, to testify about alleged gambling deals and money transfers linked to the religious group. The probe also examines why earlier intelligence on the matter was not pursued.

The prosecutors’ association, a retired‑judge group, has publicly opposed a draft amendment that would abolish the prosecution’s supplementary investigation powers, arguing the change could undermine victim protection. Lawmakers such as former Green Party MP Jeong Hye‑young warned that the reform lacks parliamentary debate and could harm citizens.

Former senior prosecutor Kim Sang‑min was sentenced to a suspended two‑year prison term for violating the anti‑bribery act after admitting to delivering an artwork to former first lady Kim Keon‑hee in exchange for a favourable candidate nomination. He also received a suspended term for political‑fund violations.

Independent MP Han Dong‑hoon accused President Lee Jae‑myung of using a novel real‑estate transaction method for personal gain and called for tax investigations, while also condemning the proposed repeal of the prosecution’s supplementary powers as “privatization of justice.”