6.1 Nationwide Local Elections: 249 'Jeonnam Election Offenders'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] As the results of the 8th nationwide simultaneous local elections were decided, with the joy and sorrow of winners and losers diverging, some winners are under investigation for suspected violations of election laws, and a considerable number of losers are also under investigation, making it difficult to relax even after the election has ended.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency on the 2nd, as of the 1st, police investigations into election-related offenses involving 249 people in 131 cases prior to the election are ongoing, with 44 people (19 cases) booked without detention, 18 people (12 cases) with investigations closed, and investigations continuing for the remaining 187 people (100 cases).

By type, there are 46 people (34 cases) for false information disclosure, 104 people (32 cases) for providing money or goods, 9 people (9 cases) for damaging posters, 13 people (7 cases) for government official involvement, 12 people (7 cases) for pre-election campaigning, and 65 people (42 cases) for other offenses.

Lee Byeongno, the elected mayor of Damyang County, is under investigation by Gwangju police on suspicion of providing money or goods related to congratulatory or condolence events to an acquaintance.

Park Hongryul, the elected mayor of Mokpo, was not charged with violating the Public Official Election Act but was accused of forcible molestation. The police decided not to prosecute, but the accuser filed an objection, and the case was transferred to the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office and is ongoing.

Park has filed a counter-complaint against the accuser for defamation and false accusation.

Kang Jongman, the elected mayor of Yeonggwang County, is under police investigation following a complaint by the Election Commission for providing prizes worth approximately 1.33 million won to four voters in his electoral district last year.

Woo Seunghee, the elected mayor of Yeongam County, was reported for encouraging dual voting among party members.

Kim Sunho, the elected mayor of Gurye County, is under investigation for preferential stone retaining wall construction under the pretext of village road maintenance near land purchased by a former police chief, which is not a violation of election law but a violation of the Mountainous Area Management Act.

Kim San, the elected mayor of Muan County, is under police investigation following a report of bribery related to a private contract with a tenant company in the local agricultural and industrial complex.

Lee Sangik, the elected mayor of Hampyeong County, is under prosecution investigation for allegedly receiving the cost of purchasing a suit as a bribe in exchange for winning a business contract.

A considerable number of losing candidates are also under investigation.

Oh Hageun, a candidate for Suncheon mayor, is under police investigation for alleged violation of the Public Official Election Act after being reported for leaking party member lists and inducing dual voting by close aides.

Kim Jongsik, a candidate for Mokpo mayor, was reported to the Election Commission in February for promoting achievements at a local event, and his wife is under investigation for providing money and 15 boxes of shrimp to acquaintances in exchange for election campaigning.

Jeon Wanjun, a candidate for Hwasun County mayor, is under police investigation for violating the Public Official Election Act by sending approximately 86,500 automated voice messages (ARS) soliciting support to voters in four rounds during the Democratic Party primary campaign early last month.

In Damyang, Gokseong, and Gangjin, police investigations or Election Commission complaints have been made regarding acts of providing money or goods by campaign workers or supporters of winning or losing candidates.

Meanwhile, the Jeonnam Provincial Election Commission has taken action on 162 cases, including 39 complaints, 6 requests for investigation, 3 transfers, and 114 warnings for illegal activities.

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