Broker Who Demanded Personnel Authority from Jeonju Mayor Preliminary Candidate Arrested... First Case in Jeonju After 'Geomsu Wanbak' Passed

Broker Demanded 'Personnel Authority in Construction and Industry Sectors' from Former Candidate Lee Joong-sun in Exchange for Intervention
Police Expand Investigation, Indict Additional Brokers

Broker A, who demanded personnel authority as a price for assistance to a prospective candidate running for Jeonju mayor, has been arrested.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] Broker A, who demanded personnel authority and other assistance fees from a preliminary candidate running for mayor of Jeonju, Jeonbuk, has been arrested.

According to Yonhap News Agency, on the 15th, the police arrested A on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act. This case became the first instance of the Jeonju police arresting an election offender after the passage of the 'Prosecutorial Reform' law.

A is accused of demanding personnel authority as compensation for assistance such as election organization and financial support from former preliminary candidate Lee Joong-seon.

Lee, the former preliminary candidate, revealed this fact at a press conference on the 7th of last month and then withdrew from the candidacy.

He explained, "The broker said that there are more than 120 director and section chief positions at City Hall, so why can't he give me those positions?" and added, "The personnel authority demanded was mainly related to construction and industrial sectors linked to vested interests."

He further said, "At first, I thought it was a joke, but as time passed, he persistently pressured me."

The police have been trying to prove the charges by analyzing the recorded transcripts submitted by former candidate Lee and evidence secured through search and seizure. In addition, the investigation scope has been expanded by additionally indicting two other brokers suspected of interfering in the primary election besides A.

A Jeonbuk Police Agency official said, "Other brokers have also been arrested and are under investigation," but added, "Since the case is ongoing, it is difficult to disclose specific details."

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