Kim Byung-wook, who left the People Power Party, sentenced to first trial disqualification for election law violation

"I Will Immediately Appeal," Declared

Independent lawmaker Kim Byung-wook [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Independent lawmaker Kim Byung-wook, who was prosecuted for violating the Public Official Election Act and the Political Funds Act, was sentenced to a penalty that nullifies his election in the first trial.

The Pohang Branch of Daegu District Court held an election trial for Representative Kim on the day and sentenced him to fines of 1.5 million KRW under the Public Official Election Act and 700,000 KRW under the Political Funds Act.

Kim was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act by conducting preliminary election campaigning, including using a loudspeaker to appeal for support at a party member meeting held before the general election campaign period in April last year. He also faces charges of violating the Political Funds Act by spending election expenses without going through the accounting officer or bank account previously notified to the Election Commission.

Kim's side stated, "We will immediately appeal." A member of the National Assembly loses their seat if a fine of 1 million KRW or more is confirmed for violating the Public Official Election Act.

Meanwhile, Kim left the People Power Party on the 7th after being accused of sexually assaulting a female intern secretary while he was an aide in 2018.

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