[News Space=Reporter seungwon lee] It has been confirmed that the police have launched an investigation after suspicions were raised that Nonghyup Central Federation Chairman Kang Ho-dong received 100 million won in cash.
This incident is attracting more public attention because it goes beyond the simple suspicion of bribery and foreshadows various repercussions, such as the power structure within the Nonghyup organization and personnel conflicts.
According to an exclusive report by the Gyeonggi Daily, the police began an investigation after receiving specific information that “Chairman Kang received 50 million won in cash from Mr. A on two occasions.” It has been determined that some of the witness interviews supporting the information have already been conducted.
It was also revealed through the media that the representative of the service provider who was accused of handing over 100 million won sent a threatening text message to Chairman Kang, which resulted in the cancellation of Nonghyup Distribution's bid announcement.
In particular, controversy is spreading as it has been revealed that Mr. A, a key figure in this case, and former Vice Chairman of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation Yoo Chan-hyung, who is classified as one of Chairman Kang's closest associates, recently had separate contact.
According to multiple Nonghyup officials, Vice Chairman Yoo is suspected of having covered up the incident or of having a statement. Vice Chairman Yoo initially denied, saying, “I have never met Mr. A,” but later explained, “It was a private meeting.” However, there is a response from within Nonghyup that the two are not close enough to have a private relationship.
Vice Chairman Yoo was nominated as the president of NH Investment & Securities last year, but his inauguration fell through due to opposition from the labor union. Recently, there have been rumors within the organization that he is seeking the position of president of the Nonghyup affiliated media outlet, the Farmers' Newspaper.
If the police convert the investigation into a formal investigation, it is expected to have significant repercussions on the future of Chairman Kang as well as Vice Chairman Yoo. Within Nonghyup, there is keen interest in the impact this incident will have on personnel and power structures within the organization.
Meanwhile, Nonghyup has not made an official statement regarding this suspicion. The police plan to further investigate and confirm the facts more closely.
It is reported that the police have already secured key evidence and circumstances. The police have secured intelligence that cash was received twice in amounts of 50 million won each. It is also reported that a recording of the person involved has been secured, stating that Chairman Kang received 100 million won in campaign funds while promising various benefits.
In fact, specific messages such as “Please give me your home address~ Kang Ho-dong Dream” are also mentioned as evidence. Additional evidence includes contacts between internal Nonghyup officials, key figures in the case, and people close to Chairman Kang related to the case.