Ex-DPK leader Song to be questioned next week over cash-for-vote scandal

Song Young-gil, a former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during an event announcing the publication of his book in the southern city of Gwangju, Nov. 19. Yonhap

Song Young-gil, a former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, will appear before prosecutors next week for his first questioning in an investigation into a cash-for-votes scandal surrounding the party's 2021 leadership election, sources said Friday.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office has summoned the 60-year-old Song to present himself for questioning next Friday morning, the legal sources said.

Prosecutors launched an investigation in April into allegations that Song's campaign distributed cash envelopes totaling 94 million won ($71,986) to 20 DPK lawmakers and other party members in the run-up to the party's leadership election in May 2021, which he ultimately won.

Prosecutors suspect Song's involvement in the handout of 20 cash envelopes to lawmakers, each containing 3 million won.

DPK Rep. Youn Kwan-suk, who worked for Song's campaign, is currently standing trial on charges related to the cash distribution allegations.

Suspicions against Song also include that Song took 40 million won in bribes from a former chief of the Yeosu arm of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry via his support group, the Research Institute for Peace & Livelihood, in return for business favors.

Song has denied involvement in the scandal, accusing the prosecution of an illegal investigation targeting him. (Yonhap)