A Look Back: The Tongsun Park Case

Tongsun Park, a former businessman and well-known socialite in Washington, D.C., was indicted twice during his lifetime for violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”). These two indictments, separated by nearly 30 years, were each part of larger scandals, but only the second prosecution resulted in a conviction.

Park was born in South Korea but came to the United States as a young adult and enrolled in Georgetown University, quickly building a large network of connections in D.C. Following graduation, he amassed a small fortune through a lucrative deal in which he was the sole middleman selling American rice to South Korea. He used this money to afford a lavish lifestyle and secure his position in D.C.’s highest social circles, opening the George Town club in 1966. The members-only club became a favorite spot for many of Washington’s most influential individuals, including numerous senators and representatives.