Jeon testified as a witness on the 20th at Seoul Central District Court in Yoon’s trial on alleged violations of the Political Funds Act. He said he was close to Kim Keon-hee and had met the couple together, but added that he did not have many private conversations with Yoon.
He said he first met Yoon in 2013 after being introduced by Kim Keon-hee, following Yoon’s disciplinary action related to the National Intelligence Service online comments probe.
Recalling Yoon’s reassignment to the Daegu High Prosecutors’ Office, Jeon said they talked when Yoon was weighing whether to tender his resignation over the demotion.
He also testified that, during Yoon’s clashes with former Justice Minister Chu Mi-ae while serving as prosecutor general, he told Yoon that although the situation was difficult, things would ultimately work out.
However, Jeon drew a clear line, saying their ties did not continue after Yoon entered politics.
“I have not met him since he ran for president,” Jeon said, adding that he had rarely met Kim Keon-hee as well.
Jeon also revised an earlier statement given to a special prosecutor. While he had previously said he met Yoon three to four times between Yoon’s resignation as prosecutor general and his presidential campaign, he told the court that he met Yoon before the election but not afterward.
