"Just for Fun..." Two Juvenile Delinquents Who Damaged Election Posters Referred to Juvenile Division

Suspected of Damaging Presidential Election Posters with Wooden Sticks

On the 17th, the deadline for submitting election posters for the 20th presidential election, officials are organizing the posters at the Jongno District Election Commission in Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Two teenagers were arrested by the police on charges of damaging the campaign posters for the 20th presidential election.

The Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency announced on the 3rd that two teenagers, including a girl identified as A, will be sent to the juvenile division on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.

They are accused of damaging the presidential election posters posted on a wall in Yeongdeung-dong, Iksan City, with wooden sticks on the 19th of last month.

During the police investigation, they reportedly stated that "it was done as a prank."

The Public Official Election Act stipulates that damaging or removing election posters or banners without justifiable reason is punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 4 million won.

However, since A and the others are classified as delinquent juveniles (aged 10 or older but under 14), they will be sent to the juvenile division. Delinquent juveniles receive protective measures such as being sent to juvenile detention centers, community service, or guardianship, rather than criminal punishment even if they commit a crime.

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