Kwon O-eul's Election Law Scandal: 270 Million KRW in Unreturned Campaign Funds Sparks Outrage

Who is Kwon O-eul? The Political Figure at the Center of a Storm

Did you know that Kwon O-eul, a prominent South Korean politician and former secretary-general of the National Assembly, is now under intense scrutiny? Recently nominated as Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Kwon has a long history in Korean politics, but his career has taken a dramatic turn due to a major election law scandal. His background as a reform-minded politician made his nomination initially uncontroversial, but the latest revelations have shocked many observers.
According to multiple news outlets, Kwon’s reputation as a veteran public servant is now overshadowed by his legal troubles and the growing public outcry over his actions.

The Scandal: 270 Million KRW in Unreturned Campaign Funds

The controversy centers on Kwon’s failure to return 274,620,000 KRW in election campaign funds to the state, as required by law. After running for governor of North Gyeongsang Province in 2018 as a member of the Bareunmirae Party, Kwon was convicted in 2021 of violating the Public Official Election Act by providing unregistered campaign workers with money. The Supreme Court sentenced him to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, which automatically triggered the obligation to return all state-subsidized campaign expenses.
Despite a clear legal mandate, Kwon did not return any of the funds for over four years, instead listing the entire amount as debt in his official disclosures. This inaction persisted even as he was nominated for a ministerial post, fueling public anger and political debate.

How Did the Issue Come to Light? The Role of Parliamentary Hearings

The scandal erupted during Kwon’s confirmation hearings at the National Assembly. Lawmakers from the People Power Party, notably Rep. Lee Yang-soo and Rep. Chu Kyung-ho, revealed that Kwon had failed to return the campaign funds despite a formal order from the North Gyeongsang Election Commission in May 2021. The issue was further highlighted when Kwon’s official hearing documents showed ‘0 KRW’ paid back, even though the obligation had existed for years.
As media coverage intensified, Kwon belatedly paid 50 million KRW, but more than 220 million KRW remains unpaid. Critics argue that this partial payment only came after public criticism and was an attempt to quell the growing backlash.

Legal and Ethical Implications: What Does Korean Law Say?

Under the Public Official Election Act, any candidate found guilty of serious violations—such as bribery or illegal payments—must return all state-provided campaign funds within 30 days of the conviction. Kwon’s case is notable not just for the size of the unpaid amount, but also because he is the only metropolitan or provincial candidate from the 2018 elections who has not fulfilled this obligation.
Observers point out that Kwon’s actions raise serious questions about political accountability and the enforcement of election laws in South Korea. Some lawmakers have called for his immediate resignation, arguing that his continued candidacy undermines public trust in government.

Community and Media Reactions: Outrage, Satire, and Demands for Accountability

Korean online communities such as DC Inside, FM Korea, Theqoo, and PGR21 have exploded with reactions. Many users express disbelief and anger, questioning how a nominee for a top government post could ignore such a basic legal obligation. Representative comments include: ‘Is he above the law?’ and ‘If this was an ordinary person, they’d be in jail by now.’ On Naver and Daum blogs, users dissect the timeline of Kwon’s payments and speculate about his motives, with some suggesting he only paid after his nomination became controversial.
Others highlight the broader issue of political privilege, noting that Kwon reported over 1.3 billion KRW in personal assets but still failed to return public funds. The story has become a lightning rod for debates about fairness, privilege, and the need for reform in Korean politics.

Cultural Context: Why This Scandal Matters to International Readers

For international readers, this case offers a window into South Korea’s evolving political culture. The country has made significant strides in transparency and anti-corruption efforts, but scandals like this reveal ongoing challenges. The expectation that public officials adhere to strict ethical standards is deeply rooted in Korean society, and violations are met with intense public scrutiny.
Foreign fans of Korean culture may be surprised by the speed and intensity of the backlash, as well as the role of online communities in shaping public opinion. This case also highlights the importance of legal compliance for anyone seeking public office in Korea.

Recent Developments: Will Kwon O-eul Step Down?

As of July 2025, the controversy remains unresolved. Lawmakers continue to demand Kwon’s resignation, and media outlets report that he is preparing a legal appeal, claiming he intends to seek a retrial. However, public patience is wearing thin, and the debate over his qualifications is intensifying. The outcome of this scandal may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
Stay tuned, as the story of Kwon O-eul’s campaign fund scandal continues to unfold, reflecting the complexities and passions of Korean democracy.