Feeling upset and quarreling with an acquaintance... Busan Police Agency arrests 2 for damaging election posters

Election poster vandalism site. [Image provided by Busan Police Agency]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 22nd that they plan to send Mr. A and Mr. B, who damaged the campaign posters for the 20th presidential election, to the prosecution on charges of violating the 'Public Official Election Act.'

According to the police, Mr. A, in his 40s, tore and damaged the election poster attached to a roadside near Seodong Market in Geumjeong-gu on the 19th because he felt unpleasant.

Mr. B, in his 20s, kicked and damaged the attached election poster at the back gate of an apartment in Hakjang-dong, Sasang-gu, around the middle of the 21st after a quarrel with an acquaintance, citing anger as the reason.

After discovering the damaged election posters, the police election task force and the forensic investigation team analyzed nearby CCTV footage and apprehended Mr. A and Mr. B.

Damaging or removing election posters without permission can result in criminal punishment.

The 'Public Official Election Act' stipulates that anyone who damages or removes election posters, banners, or other promotional facilities without justifiable reason shall be punished by imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 4 million won.

Since January 8, the Busan police have established election crime investigation situation rooms at 16 police stations throughout the city.

The police plan to mobilize all available personnel to respond swiftly 24 hours a day to election crimes and will strictly punish illegal acts such as damaging election posters and banners.

A representative of the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency said, "Damaging promotional facilities such as election posters and banners is a serious crime that interferes with free and fair elections," and added, "Active reporting and tips from citizens are important for fair elections."

The police urged, "Please actively report violations of the Public Official Election Act to 112 or the nearest police station."

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