**Violation of Election Law First Trial… Former Director of Mirae Korea Research Institute Testified**
The first formal trial of Myung Tae-kyun, accused of violating the Political Funds Act, took place on the 24th. The key figure in the allegations of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s involvement in candidate appointments, Myung faced trial alongside former lawmaker Kim Young-sun, Kim Tae-yeol (former director of the Mirae Korea Research Institute), and others involved in allegations surrounding the 2022 local elections.
Former Director Kim testified about Myung’s significant role and influence, describing a shift in power dynamics where Myung allegedly treated former lawmaker Kim Young-sun with disdain, even instructing him to write an apology letter for his mistakes.
Kim also claimed to have witnessed or heard of Myung’s connections with various prominent political figures, including Yoon Suk-yeol, further implicating him in the candidate appointment process. Kim testified that he overheard Myung stating that former lawmaker Kim’s candidate appointment was a payoff for covering polling expenses during the presidential election with President Yoon.
The trial also addressed allegations that Kim, alongside Myung and former lawmaker Kim, received 240 million KRW from local election candidates in exchange for candidate recommendations. Kim refuted claims of the money being operational expenses, suggesting instead that they were for candidate recommendations.
Meanwhile, Myung’s legal representation argued that payments received were legitimate compensation for his role as the general manager in Kim’s office. Myung denied handling money related to unauthorized recommendations for candidates and refuted the accusations against him. Former lawmaker Kim’s side also denied any monetary transactions for candidate recommendations, insisting there was no involvement in candidate appointments.
The trial proceedings continue as both sides present evidence and testimonies regarding the alleged abuses of the political appointment process.