Prosecutors Investigate Over 730 Election Offenders in 20th Presidential Election... 1.7 Times More Than 19th

698 Presidential Election Offenders Under Investigation... 431 'Public Opinion Manipulation Offenders', 99.7% of Complaints and Accusations
220 Local Election Offenders Already... Prosecutors "Will Focus on Swift Investigation and Resources"

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] The prosecution has booked over 730 suspects related to the 20th presidential election and is investigating 690 of them. This is 1.7 times higher than the 19th presidential election and 2.6 times higher compared to the 18th presidential election.

The Public Investigation Department of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced on the 10th that as of midnight on the 9th, 732 suspects related to the presidential election have been booked, and investigations are underway for 698 individuals. Three suspects were booked in connection with the National Assembly by-elections held alongside the presidential election.

The prosecution explained that suspects involved in spreading false information and manipulating public opinion increased by 4.3 times compared to the 18th presidential election and 3.4 times compared to the 19th presidential election. Although cases related to vote-buying and bribery decreased, complaints and accusations filed by political parties or civic groups regarding false information significantly increased. Approximately 83% of all complaints and accusations were filed by political parties or civic groups.

Among the booked presidential election suspects, 609 cases were received by the prosecution, of which 167 are subject to direct investigation by the prosecution, and the remaining 442 were referred to the police. There were 123 cases received by the police for which the prosecution requested arrest warrants.

Suspects involved in spreading false information and manipulating public opinion numbered 431, the highest figure, followed by 82 suspects involved in election violence such as poster and banner vandalism. There were 17 suspects confirmed for bribery-related offenses.

Among the cases received by the prosecution, 607 were complaints and accusations, while only 2 were recognized cases. The complaint and accusation rate reached 99.7%, and complaints filed by the National Election Commission numbered 92, accounting for 15.1% of all complaints and accusations.

Given the significant increase in presidential election cases currently under investigation by the prosecution and police compared to the past, the prosecution plans to focus its capabilities on swiftly and thoroughly investigating major election cases in the upcoming 8th nationwide simultaneous local elections, which are about 80 days away. So far, 220 suspects related to local elections have been booked.

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