Actor Park Seong-woong testified in court on April 8, 2026, that former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Im Seong-keun and former Black Pearl Invest representative Lee Jong-ho appeared to be close at a dinner in 2022. Park stated Lee referred to the Marine Corps general as “our general” and “our division commander” and embraced him, suggesting a friendly relationship. However, Park could not definitively recall if the individual at the dinner was Im Seong-keun.
Park appeared as a witness in the trial concerning allegations that Im Seong-keun committed perjury during a National Assembly hearing. He had previously been questioned by the special investigation team led by Lee Myeong-hyeon regarding allegations of pressure in the Channeling Incident.
The Testimony
Park testified that the dinner, which took place around August 2022, included himself, a junior colleague, Lee Jong-ho, and approximately five or six others. He stated a Marine Corps general joined the group about two hours into the dinner, arriving in plain clothes. Park recalled Lee Jong-ho referring to the general as “our general” and “our division commander” although embracing him, indicating they were “quite close.”
While Park stated he did not clearly remember who the general was, he believed Lee Jong-ho’s references suggested it was Im Seong-keun. He emphasized that the terms “general” and “division commander” are memorable.
Im Seong-keun has previously maintained he did not know Lee Jong-ho, and has been charged with perjury based on that claim. Park’s testimony suggests a possible connection between the two men.
Park also revealed that after his initial statement to the special investigation team was reported in October 2025, he received a series of text messages from a number identified as “Im Seong-keun” asking, “Are you sure you saw me?” He subsequently blocked the number.
Court Proceedings
The witness testimony lasted approximately 50 minutes. Park initially requested the proceedings be closed to the public, citing concerns about privacy and potential media exposure, but the request was denied.
Park explained he was appearing as a witness simply to clarify his involvement in the matter, stating he has “no interest in politics” and felt compelled to set the record straight after media reports suggested wrongdoing on his part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Park Seong-woong testify about regarding Lee Jong-ho and the Marine Corps general?
Park Seong-woong testified that Lee Jong-ho referred to the Marine Corps general as “our general” and “our division commander” and embraced him, suggesting a close relationship.
Did Park Seong-woong definitively identify the Marine Corps general as Im Seong-keun?
No, Park Seong-woong stated he could not definitively recall if the individual at the dinner was Im Seong-keun.
What happened after Park Seong-woong’s initial statement to investigators became public?
Park Seong-woong received a series of text messages from a number identified as “Im Seong-keun” questioning his recollection of events, after which he blocked the number.
What implications might this testimony have for the ongoing legal proceedings, and what further evidence might be needed to clarify the relationships between the individuals involved?
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