Park Kyum-soo, Chief of Gangbuk District Office, Avoids Disqualification Sentence in Election Law Trial on Appeal

On the morning of the 10th, at the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Cha Mun-ho), Mayor Park's fine was reduced from 3 million won to 900,000 won, allowing him to retain his mayoral position... Mayor Park stated, "I will do my best to serve the residents."

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Park Gyeom-su, the mayor of Gangbuk-gu (61), who was prosecuted for violating the Public Official Election Act in the local elections held on June 13, 2018, was able to avoid disqualification in the second trial held on the morning of the 9th, allowing him to carry out administration for the residents of Gangbuk-gu, including fulfilling his campaign promises.

The Criminal Division 2 of the Seoul High Court (Chief Judge Cha Moon-ho) overturned the original sentence of a 3 million KRW fine and sentenced Mayor Park to a 900,000 KRW fine at 11 a.m. that day for violating the Public Official Election Act.

If an elected official is sentenced to imprisonment or a fine of 1 million KRW or more for violating the Public Official Election Act and the sentence is finalized, the election is canceled.

Mayor Park and others were indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act by mobilizing Gangbuk-gu Office public officials to produce election brochures, logo songs, and draft campaign promises ahead of the 2018 local elections.

The appellate court stated, "Mayor Park claims that he did not know Kim, who worked as his executive secretary, was not a public official. However, considering the fact that he received help for 130 days and maintained continuous contact, Mayor Park's excuse cannot be accepted."

It added, "Mayor Park, who utilized Kim, a public official, for election campaigning, must deeply reflect on his heavy responsibility as the overall person in charge. He must also take responsibility for fostering a culture at Gangbuk-gu Office where public officials easily assist in election campaigns."

However, regarding Mayor Park's 'five major campaign promises,' the court acquitted him, stating, "It is difficult to see that Mayor Park anticipated Kim receiving help from other public officials," and evaluated it as merely receiving technical assistance, which led to a reduction in the fine amount.

Immediately after the verdict, Mayor Park briefly said, "I express my respect to the court. I apologize to the residents of Gangbuk-gu for the controversy caused and will do my best to serve the residents."

Since being elected as mayor of Gangbuk-gu in the 5th local election in 2010, Mayor Park has been elected for three terms including the 6th and 7th terms. He is recognized for playing a significant role in establishing Gangbuk-gu, which has the 4.19 National Cemetery in Suyu-dong, as a historic city by hosting the April 19 Revolution National Cultural Festival and creating the Modern and Contemporary History and Culture Center, considering the regional characteristics of Gangbuk-gu.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.