Warrant Dismissed for Lee Seung-ok, Gangjin County Mayor, Accused of Distributing Lunar New Year Gifts to Over 800 People

Court Emphasizes Need to Guarantee Right to Defense, 12 Suspects Including Current and Former Public Officials Booked

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The arrest warrant for Lee Seung-ok, the mayor of Gangjin County, who is accused of distributing gifts to local residents ahead of the Seollal holiday, was dismissed.

According to the Jeonnam Police Agency on the 7th, the Gwangju District Court Jangheung Branch dismissed the arrest warrant for Mayor Lee, who is charged with violating the Public Official Election Act, citing no flight risk and the need to guarantee the right to defense.

Mayor Lee is accused of distributing apple boxes worth approximately 35 million won as gifts to about 800 people, including village chiefs, Saemaul leaders, and women's association heads within the county ahead of the Seollal holiday.

About 20 people who assisted him are currently under investigation, among whom 12 are current and former public officials registered as suspects.

It is known that they used official vehicles to deliver the apple boxes, and some urged the recipients to "make a thank-you call to the mayor," with investigations revealing that a significant number actually made such calls.

Local gift certificates were used to purchase the gifts.

The police are reported to have confirmed a substantial part of the election law violation charges through multiple witness interviews, searches of the mayor's office and residence, and summons investigations of Mayor Lee and his wife.

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