Yoon Sang-hyun Accused of Ordering Hamba Broker to Falsely Sue Rival Candidate... Additional Charges Filed

Providing Meals to the Representative of the Media Outlet Reporting the Accusation Details

Independent lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Independent lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun (57) has been brought to trial on charges of instructing broker Yoo Sang-bong (74), known as a 'hambak (construction site canteen) broker,' to file false accusations against a competing candidate during this year's April 15 general election, and having these allegations reported through the media.

The Criminal Division 7 of the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Heedong) announced on the 6th that they have additionally indicted Yoon on charges of false statement publication and providing benefits under the Public Official Election Act, as well as defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.

Yoon is accused of instructing Yoo to file a false complaint against former Future United Party (now People Power Party) lawmaker Ahn Sang-soo (73), who was a competing candidate in the Incheon Dong-gu and Michuhol-gu electoral district during the April 15 general election, and having this content reported as an article through a local Incheon media outlet.

In fact, ahead of the general election, Yoo submitted a complaint to the prosecution claiming that "in 2009, when former lawmaker Ahn was serving as mayor of Incheon, he received tens of billions of won through a mistress and others in exchange for securing construction site rights."

The media outlet reported an article containing false information related to former lawmaker Ahn based on this complaint. Subsequently, prosecutors revealed that Yoon provided meals to the media outlet's representative and others involved in the false reporting.

Yoon is also accused of damaging former lawmaker Ahn's reputation through these actions.

Eleven defendants, including Yoon, his Grade 4 aide A (53), and Yoo's son, have been indicted and brought to trial for illegal election interference by Yoo during the general election, with six of them being detained and prosecuted.

Yoo is charged with filing a false complaint against former lawmaker Ahn to ensure Yoon's election victory, while Yoon's aide A is accused of conspiring with Yoo's son to use this false complaint to defeat former lawmaker Ahn.

Yoon was registered as a suspect and investigated by prosecutors after former lawmaker Ahn filed a complaint against him in September for violations of the Public Official Election Act and other charges.

During police investigations, Yoo testified that his crimes were committed under Yoon's instructions, whereas Yoon admitted to providing conveniences to Yoo but completely denied any connection to the general election.

Yoon was indicted without detention last month on charges of providing benefits under the Public Official Election Act, and the first preparatory hearing is scheduled for the 20th.

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