South Korea police raid anti-corruption commission and election watchdog over alleged misconduct

South Korean police conducted a raid on the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) in Sejong, seizing documents as part of a probe into the agency’s 2024 decision to drop a case involving former first lady Kim Keon‑hee’s acceptance of a Dior handbag. Investigators are examining alleged abuse of power by former ACRC chair Ryu Chul‑whan and deputy chair Chung Seung‑yun, who are accused of closing the case without proper regulation for a presidential spouse’s gifts.

In a separate operation, a joint police‑prosecution team searched the National Election Commission (NEC) headquarters in Seoul following accusations that former NEC chair Roh Tae‑ak misappropriated commission funds. The investigation focuses on Roh’s undisclosed overseas trips with his spouse and a broader pattern of alleged embezzlement involving dozens of NEC employees who took numerous foreign trips. Roh resigned after ballot shortages disrupted voting in the June 3 local elections.