[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The police have launched a forced investigation into Kim Mikyung, the mayor of Eunpyeong District, Seoul, who is suspected of violating the Public Official Election Act.

The Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that they conducted a search and seizure of the Eunpyeong District Office mayor's office and secretary's office starting from 9 a.m. on the 21st.

Mayor Kim is suspected of sending 200 boxes of apples to Eunpyeong District public officials and local residents through her executive secretary ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in January.

The executive secretary reportedly sent a text message along with the gift, stating that "the mayor has put her heartfelt feelings into this."

Mayor Kim denies the allegations, claiming that the secretary acted on their own.

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