'Appealing for Candidate Support in General Election' Gwangju City Council Member Lee Kyung-ho Also Receives Election Nullification Sentence in Appeal Trial

Original Sentence: 200만원 벌금형 원심 유지

Translated Title: Original Verdict Upheld: 2 Million Won Fine Maintained

Lee Kyung-ho, Member of Gwangju Metropolitan Council.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Lee Kyung-ho, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council who was prosecuted for appealing for support for a specific candidate ahead of the 21st general election, was sentenced to lose his council membership in the appellate court as well.

The 1st Criminal Division of the Gwangju High Court (Presiding Judge Lee Seung-chul) on the 7th sentenced Lee, who was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act, to a fine of 2 million won, maintaining the original judgment.

If an elected public official is sentenced to a fine of 1 million won or more for violating the Public Official Election Act, the election is invalidated.

Lee, who was working as an election staff member for candidate Jo Oh-seop at the time, was prosecuted for hosting a meal worth approximately 415,600 won for 18 people including pastors and elders at a restaurant in Buk-gu on April 3 last year and appealing for support for candidate Jo.

The court stated the sentencing reason, saying, "As a local council member, he could have clearly known that this was a violation of the Public Official Election Act just 10 days before the general election," and "strict punishment is inevitable."

However, the court added, "The meal gathering was not planned in advance and was committed by chance due to a long-standing friendly relationship, and since candidate Jo Oh-seop was elected by a considerable margin, the impact is not considered significant," and "considering his contributions to the development of the local community and the fact that he has no prior criminal record related to elections."

Currently, it is known that Lee’s side is discussing whether to file an appeal.

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