Core Viewpoint - The Japanese ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been reported to misuse political funds for entertainment expenses, including payments to bars and nightclubs, totaling approximately 1.11 million yen (about 50,000 RMB) in 2023 [1][2]. Group 1: Misuse of Political Funds - At least five branches of the LDP have been found to use political funds for entertainment expenses, with locations including Mie, Osaka, Yamaguchi, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima prefectures [2]. - The reported expenditures are likely understated, as any single political fund expenditure below 50,000 yen (approximately 2,264 RMB) does not require documentation, suggesting the actual amount of misused funds could be higher [2]. - The Osaka branch of the LDP defended the expenditures as efforts to create a smooth communication atmosphere, while branches in Mie and Nagasaki stated they would enhance management [2]. Group 2: Political Scandals Involving Officials - Multiple high-ranking LDP officials have been implicated in improper handling of political funds, including a branch led by the LDP's Policy Research Council Chairman, which failed to report a donation of 300,000 yen (approximately 13,600 RMB) [3]. - The Finance Minister's branch has also been reported to have over 500,000 yen (approximately 22,600 RMB) in unrecorded funds, and another political group linked to the Minister of Health has been accused of making payments to a singer's fan club [3]. Group 3: Recent Developments and Public Reaction - Prime Minister Kishi Sanae recently apologized for the LDP branch's acceptance of illegal corporate donations, which has raised concerns about her political future [4][5]. - Following her appointment, Kishi has appointed several officials linked to the "black money" scandal, with over 70% of the public opposing this practice according to a recent survey [10][12]. - Kishi has stated that she does not intend to revoke the appointments of these officials and emphasized the need for careful consideration regarding the regulation of corporate and organizational political donations [12].

Core Viewpoint - Japanese Prime Minister Sanna Takashi is accused of illegally receiving political donations from a company, which exceeds the legal limit set by Japan's Political Funds Control Law [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations Against Political Figures - Professor Hiroshi Uesugi from Kobe Gakuin University filed a complaint against Prime Minister Takashi, stating that her political branch received 10 million yen in donations, while the legal limit for the company based on its registered capital is 7.5 million yen [1][2]. - The complaint also includes Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, whose political branch is reported to have similar issues regarding political donations [1][2]. Group 2: Context of Political Scandals - In November 2023, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was implicated in a "black money" scandal, where certain factions required their members to sell political fundraising party tickets and return the excess as kickbacks, which were not recorded in financial reports [1][2]. - Seven senior officials appointed by Takashi after she took office in October are linked to the "black money" scandal, leading to public criticism of her ambiguous stance on addressing these issues [1][2].

Group 1 - The Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is facing allegations of illegally accepting corporate donations, specifically involving Defense Minister Kono Shinjiro's local party branch [1][3] - A report indicates that Kono's LDP branch received a donation of 10 million yen from a company in Osaka, exceeding the legal limit of 7.5 million yen for that company size as per Japan's Political Funds Control Law [3] - Additionally, allegations have been made against Prime Minister Takagi Sanae's LDP branch for similar violations regarding corporate donations [3] Group 2 - In November 2023, the LDP was embroiled in a "black money" scandal, where multiple factions pressured their members to sell political fundraising tickets, with excess funds returned to lawmakers as "kickbacks," which were not reported in financial disclosures [5] - Takagi Sanae, after being elected LDP president, publicly stated that the "black money" issue was resolved, yet appointed several officials linked to the scandal to key cabinet positions, which over 70% of the public found inappropriate according to a poll [5]

Core Viewpoint - The South Korean Special Prosecutor's Office has requested a 15-year prison sentence and a fine of 2 billion won (approximately 9.64 million RMB) for Kim Keon-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, due to her alleged involvement in stock price manipulation and other illegal activities [1][2]. Group 1 - The prosecution claims that Kim Keon-hee was deeply involved in the Deutsche Automobile stock price manipulation case and profited from it, while also maintaining close ties with religious groups and accepting luxury gifts, thereby undermining the democratic legal system in South Korea [2][7]. - The Special Prosecutor's Office has requested a 15-year prison term, a fine of 2 billion won (approximately 9.64 million RMB), and the recovery of 948 million won (approximately 460,000 RMB) from Kim Keon-hee, citing the serious nature of her crimes and her lack of remorse [2][7]. - Kim Keon-hee's lawyer has denied all allegations in court, asserting her innocence [2][6]. Group 2 - Kim Keon-hee is the first former first lady in South Korean constitutional history to be prosecuted while in custody [6]. - The prosecution alleges that Kim Keon-hee illegally profited 810 million won (approximately 4.15 million RMB) from stock manipulation and was involved in receiving bribes, including luxury handbags [7]. - The total estimated illicit gains attributed to Kim Keon-hee amount to approximately 1.03 billion won [7].

Group 1 - The trial of Kim Keon-hee, the wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, is set to officially begin on September 24, with the Seoul Central District Court allowing media coverage of the proceedings [1] - The court will hold the first hearing of the corruption case against Kim Keon-hee at 14:10 local time, and media will be permitted to take photos and videos during the trial [1] - Kim Keon-hee is accused of violating multiple laws, including the Capital Markets Act and the Political Funds Act, with allegations of stock price manipulation leading to illegal profits of 810 million KRW (approximately 4.15 million CNY) [1] Group 2 - Kim Keon-hee has been in custody since the arrest warrant was issued on August 12, and she has largely remained silent during multiple interrogations by the special investigation team [2]