Prosecution Seeks Election Nullification Sentence for Rep. Jin Seong-jun on Pre-Election Campaigning Charges

Request for 1.5 Million Won Fine... Rep. Jin "This Is Not Election Campaigning"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The prosecution has requested a sentence that would nullify the election of Jin Seong-jun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was indicted on charges of conducting pre-election campaigning at local constituency events one year before the 21st general election.

On the 8th, at the sentencing hearing held before the 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Hwan-seung), the prosecution requested, "Please impose a fine of 1.5 million won." According to the Public Official Election Act, if a fine of 1 million won or more is confirmed, the election is nullified and the right to run for office is revoked for five years.

The prosecution explained the reason for the request, saying, "Considering Supreme Court precedents, we selectively indicted the parts of the defendant's statements that can be regarded as pre-election campaigning," and "taking into account that the defendant denies the charges."

In response, Jin’s side emphasized, "The defendant neither conducted pre-election campaigning nor had the intention to do so," and added, "The event took place well before the general election, and it had almost no impact on the election outcome."

Jin was indicted on charges of inviting people to a senior citizens' party held at a church in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, on May 10, 2019, where he had a meal and explained his achievements contributing to local projects while serving as the Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs of Seoul, and asked for support in the 21st general election.

He ran for and was elected as a member of the National Assembly representing the Gangseo-eul district in the 21st general election. Jin’s sentencing date is scheduled for December 24.

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