Scam Alert: Pretend First Lady Claims She Owes the Mayor $400k
What Went Down (Without the Fancy Legal Jargon)
- Act 1: The Fake Widow – A woman introduced herself as Kwon Yang‑sook, the late wife of former President Roh Moo‑hyun. She told the mayor of Gwangju she needed money for her daughter and promised to pay back “quickly.”
- Act 2: The Monetary Move – The persuaded mayor transferred 450 million won (about US$400,000), thinking she was helping a grieving family.
- Act 3: The Election Twist – At that time, Yoon Jang‑hyun, a Democrat and pro‑Moon Jae‑in spy, was campaigning for a second term as Gwangju’s leader. He fell for the scheme—none of the other ten contacts did.
Why This is a Big Deal in South Korea
South Korea’s political scene is a hotbed for corruption. Two former presidents, Lee Myung‑bak and Park Geun‑hy‑e, are currently serving time for graft. Even then, the country’s president, Moon Jae‑in, was hit with a very personal sting—his former aide feared a gorilla‑slotting of his finances.
Not a Joke: The Real Consequences
President Roh himself took his own life in 2009 after a scandal involving Kwon, so this fraud feels like a ghost story. The latest arrest, however, was a righteous crack‑down: Yoon Jang‑hyun got knocked out of his own fundraiser (as the wind blew in the opposite direction).
Moon Jae‑in’s Message to the Public
In a statement last month, Moon urged citizens: “If someone tries to swindle you by pretending to be an official or a family member, treat them as a madman and call the authorities.” He’s on guard, but you want to stay safe too.
So next time someone asks for money while claiming to be a relative of your president, remember—your life’s not worth a 450 million‑won loan pitch, and neither is your dignity.
