Rep. Kim Seung-won, Rep. Yong Hye-in, and Others Face Allegations

Mr. Yang, the owner of an adult entertainment establishment, referred to Rep. Kim Seung-won as 'Seung-won Oppa' or 'Op,' showing intimacy. They reportedly maintained a casual relationship, exchanging emoticons in text messages. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu pointed out the depth of their relationship, stating that they had known each other for 13 years and that Rep. Kim had previously handled the defense of an adult entertainment establishment employee case related to Mr. Yang.

It has been alleged that Mr. Yang flaunted his connections with five influential figures within the Democratic Party, in addition to Rep. Kim Seung-won, during the lobbying process. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu stated that Mr. Yang mentioned five individuals — A, B, C, D, and E — claiming to "know key figures in the Democratic Party." However, during the trial, Mr. Yang explained that he mentioned these names merely to 'look good.'

It was revealed that Rep. Kim Seung-won, wearing his assembly badge, visited Mr. Yang's cosmetics company booth and took photos together. In the photos, Rep. Kim is seen pointing at something with his hand, while Mr. Yang is making a finger heart gesture next to Rep. Kim. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu expressed the opinion that this appearance was inappropriate.

Rep. Kim Seung-won's past defense of an adult entertainment establishment employee in a Labor Standards Act violation case has come under renewed scrutiny. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu raised suspicions that Rep. Kim might have taken on the case not merely for money, but due to a personal friendship with Mr. Yang, the owner. This has led to speculation that the relationship between Rep. Kim and Mr. Yang may have gone beyond a simple lawyer-client dynamic.

Mr. Kang attempted to donate 5 million won to Rep. Kim Seung-won, but it fell through due to a payment deadline issue. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu claimed that the failure to deliver this 5 million won was the decisive reason for Rep. Kim Seung-won's suspension of indictment. The prosecution reportedly issued the suspension of indictment after only verifying whether a simple donation was received.

It has been pointed out that the prosecution's suspension of indictment for Rep. Kim Seung-won was issued in December 2024, coinciding curiously with the period around the declaration of martial law. A suspension of indictment means that guilt is acknowledged, but prosecution is suspended due to insufficient evidence or extenuating circumstances.

The fact that Mr. Yang, the owner of an adult entertainment establishment, received 900 million won, while Rep. Kim Seung-won was recorded as having received nothing in connection with it, has raised suspicions of 'parking.' 'Parking' is a specialized term referring to entrusting money under another person's name. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu mentioned that suspicions of 'parking' exist in this case.

Rep. Yong Hye-in has been accused of operating the Basic Income Party like a 'couple's party.' Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu mentioned that Rep. Yong Hye-in's husband, Park Ki-yong, was appointed Secretary-General just three days after the Basic Income Party was founded. Furthermore, it has been claimed that when Rep. Yong vacated the position of permanent representative, her husband was made acting representative, suggesting that the couple monopolizes key party positions.

It was revealed that Rep. Yong Hye-in's husband, Park Ki-yong, received a monthly salary of approximately 3 million won. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu stated that the combined income of Rep. Yong Hye-in and her husband, Park Ki-yong, amounts to almost 170 million won on an annual basis. Along with this, suspicions that the Basic Income Party evaded a large amount of taxes have also been raised, intensifying controversy over the potential inappropriate use of national subsidies.

It has been pointed out that Rep. Yong Hye-in is among the few National Assembly members who do not disclose their aide list. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu stated that out of 9 aides, 5 have held key party positions or served as regional committee chairs in the Basic Income Party, and a sister relationship was also confirmed among the aides. This has led to suspicions that aides were hired primarily from among close associates and relatives.

The possibility of a lawsuit has been raised regarding reports alleging Rep. Yong Hye-in's connection to an underground organization. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu argued that if a ministerial nominee is linked to a specific organization based solely on allegations, it could be a clear subject for a lawsuit. However, he also suggested that a lawsuit could trigger an investigation into the allegations, potentially leading to positive outcomes. Currently, Rep. Yong Hye-in denies membership in any underground organization, and the results of a Workers' Party investigation into an underground organization have also been mentioned.

While confirmation hearing dates for some ministerial nominees, such as those from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, have been set for the 15th and 16th, the hearing dates for nominees Kim Seung-won and Yong Hye-in are still undecided. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu interpreted the undecided dates as reflecting the Presidential Office's own discomfort regarding these individuals.

Reports have emerged that the Presidential Office requested Rep. Yong Hye-in to resign her proportional representation seat. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu pointed out that a considerable amount of time has passed since these reports, yet Rep. Yong Hye-in has not issued any statement. This is interpreted as reflecting a critical view of maintaining both a ministerial position and a proportional representation seat simultaneously.

Supreme Court Justice nominee Kim Seong-soo has been accused of gift tax evasion for residing in an apartment owned by his brother-in-law under a jeonse (long-term lease deposit) agreement significantly lower than market price, at 350 million won. This apartment was structured as a sub-jeonse owned by his brother-in-law. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu argued that anyone familiar with market prices would view a 350 million won deposit as gift tax evasion and also expressed a critical view of Kim's explanation that he would sort it out after the confirmation hearing.

The fact that nominee Kim Seong-soo reported owning a 2008 Grandeur vehicle, yet possessed a department store VIP card, has raised suspicions of underreporting assets. Current affairs commentator Park Sang-kyu explained that department store VIP status typically requires annual sales of at least 20 million won, pointing out a discrepancy between the reported vehicle and actual spending habits. This has amplified doubts about Kim's wealth.