Police raided the National Assembly secretariat in Seoul on Friday in a probe over Rep. Choi Min-hee's acceptance of cash gifts at her daughter's wedding. The ruling Democratic Party lawmaker faces scrutiny for receiving up to 1 million won from officials under her committee's oversight. Choi has instructed her aides to return the money.
On Friday afternoon, police raided the National Assembly secretariat in Seoul's Yeouido district. The search targeted allegations of conflict of interest involving Rep. Choi Min-hee of the ruling Democratic Party, who held her daughter's wedding at the National Assembly building in October last year. The event occurred during the annual parliamentary audit period, drawing criticism for potential impropriety.
Choi, a two-term lawmaker and chair of the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, reportedly accepted cash gifts of up to 1 million won (about $682) from officials at government agencies and companies under her committee's oversight. In South Korea, it is customary for wedding guests to give cash envelopes to the couple, but such practices raise concerns for public officials due to conflict-of-interest risks.
The investigation stems from a complaint by a civic group accusing Choi of abuse of power and violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. Authorities conducted the raid to identify who booked the wedding venue within the assembly premises.
Following the controversy, Choi stated she had instructed her aides to return the gifts. The probe highlights ongoing debates about ethics in South Korea's legislature.
