Seoul prosecutors have decided not to appeal a recent court decision, effectively closing the case against Song Young-gil, former leader of the Democratic Party, on charges related to illicit political funding and alleged bribery. The move brings an end to a high-profile legal battle that has played out over several years.
The Seoul Central Prosecutors’ Office announced on February 20, 2026, that it would not challenge the appeals court’s ruling, which had previously found Song Young-gil not guilty on all counts. The charges stemmed from allegations that Song distributed money envelopes and received illegal political funds during the Democratic Party’s 2021 leadership election.
The prosecution initially alleged that Song Young-gil was involved in distributing 66.5 million won (approximately $50,000 USD) in cash to party members and regional leaders to secure his position as party president. He was also accused of receiving 863 million won (approximately $650,000 USD) in illegal political donations through a support organization. Yet, both the initial trial and the appeals court found the evidence against him to be inadmissible.
A key factor in the court’s decision was the prosecution’s method of collecting evidence, specifically audio recordings made by Lee Jeong-geun, a former Democratic Party official. The courts determined that the prosecution had illegally obtained these recordings during a separate investigation. This procedural misstep ultimately undermined the case against Song Young-gil.
The prosecution’s decision not to appeal further comes after the Supreme Court recently dismissed an appeal in a related case involving Lee Seong-man, a former lawmaker also accused of receiving money during the party election. The Supreme Court’s ruling indicated a stricter standard for the admissibility of evidence obtained through searches and seizures.
“Considering the recent Supreme Court decision in the Lee Seong-man case, which imposed a more rigorous standard for the validity of seized evidence, we have decided not to appeal,” the Seoul Central Prosecutors’ Office stated. The office also indicated it would review its procedures for conducting searches and seizures to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Following the confirmation of his acquittal, Song Young-gil announced his intention to rejoin the Democratic Party and potentially run for a seat in the National Assembly representing the Gayang district of Incheon. According to reports, he submitted a reinstatement application to the party’s Incheon chapter on February 20, 2026.
“I will move forward with a more determined spirit,” Song Young-gil said in a statement released through the Hankyoreh. The case highlights the importance of adhering to proper legal procedures in political investigations.
