South Korea’s main opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, was indicted on bribery charges for allegedly using an underwear maker to transfer funds to North Korea and facilitate a visit to Pyongyang during his time as a provincial governor.
Lee’s deputy had already been found guilty of bribery and transferring illegal funds involving Ssangbangwool Group, a business group that initially started as an underwear maker.
Lee denied knowledge of the scheme, which aimed to promote a commercial project with North Korea and enhance his political stature.
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South Korean opposition leader hospitalised after stabbing incident
South Korean opposition leader hospitalised after stabbing incident
Lee was the Democratic Party’s candidate for president in 2022 and narrowly lost. He is currently on trial for corruption charges from his time as a city mayor.
The first summit between North and South Korea in 2000 was tainted by officials convicted of transferring funds to Pyongyang through Hyundai Group.