The Election Commission reports Oh Se-hoon to prosecution for 'alleged bribery'... "Holiday bonus to security guard, my fault"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Oh Se-hoon, the United Future Party candidate nominated for Gwangjin-eul, Seoul, in the April 15 general election, has been reported to the prosecution on charges of providing money and goods.

The Gwangjin District Election Commission filed a complaint against candidate Oh on the 2nd with the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office for violating the Public Official Election Act.

He is accused of providing a total of 1.2 million won to five people, including security guards of the apartment where he lives, during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays from last year to this year. Under the Public Official Election Act, a person who intends to become a candidate for the National Assembly is prohibited from making donations to people within the electoral district, and violating this can result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 10 million won.

In response, candidate Oh issued a statement on the 4th, explaining, "I gave 100,000 won each as a token of appreciation to five security guards and cleaners who work 24-hour shifts at the apartment where I live for the Lunar New Year holiday. However, after hearing strange rumors in the neighborhood right after the holiday, I immediately sought their understanding and retrieved the money. Despite this, I was reported to the prosecution for the amounts given during last year's Lunar New Year and Chuseok."

However, he added, "As a legal professional, I believed that the encouragement money given every holiday season falls under justifiable acts according to Article 20 of the Criminal Act, and especially since their salaries are paid from the residents' management fees, I considered holiday bonuses to be naturally acceptable. Although the election law is strict, I question whether this should be punishable." Nevertheless, he said, "It is entirely my fault. I deeply reflect on my careless behavior."

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