Democratic Party Gyeongnam Provincial Party “Thoroughly Investigate Violations of the Public Official Election Act”

Urgent Call for Thorough Investigation Regarding Park Jong-woo, Mayor of Geoje, and Seo Il-jun, Member of the National Assembly

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Democratic Party of Korea's Gyeongnam Provincial Party has urged a strict prosecution investigation into the allegations of violation of the Public Official Election Act against Park Jong-woo, Mayor of Geoje, Gyeongnam, and Seo Il-jun, National Assembly member from the People Power Party.

On the 7th, the Democratic Party's Gyeongnam Provincial Party stated, "Conduct a swift and thorough investigation into Mayor Park's alleged delivery of money amounting to around 13 million won," and added, "Also conduct a strict investigation into the election law violation case of National Assembly member Seo Il-jun, who undermined the fairness of the election."

They also demanded a search and seizure of the bank account of Mayor Park's spouse, who is suspected of transferring 10 million won to a local temple chief monk's account.

According to the provincial party, on May 19, the Gyeongnam Election Commission filed a complaint against Mayor Park and Assemblyman Seo's aides for bribery and inducement under the Public Official Election Act.

Mayor Park is accused of delivering money amounting to around 13 million won to Seo's aides through an associate in exchange for party membership applications, SNS promotion, and provision of party member lists.

During the nationwide simultaneous local elections in June, an internet site using the name of the opposing candidate was also operated.

A provincial party official criticized, "This is an unprecedented new type of election crime in the history of South Korean elections, involving organized and malicious dissemination of false information to voters."

The provincial party explained, "On May 23, Assemblyman Seo climbed onto a campaign vehicle in front of the main gate of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering and used loudspeakers and microphones to address many workers and constituents, referring to the 2019 incident where Daewoo Shipbuilding workers stormed the Geoje mayor's office."

They claimed that Seo said, "The mayor reported the workers' representatives to the police; how can such a person try to become mayor again? Please support candidate Park Jong-woo."

The provincial party explained that Seo publicly announced false facts with the intent to defeat the opposing candidate, and that the Gyeongnam Police Agency is currently investigating the matter.

They emphasized, "Former Geoje Mayor Byeon Gwang-yong never reported the workers' representatives. On the contrary, he instructed his staff not to file any complaints or reports and appealed for leniency towards the workers by submitting petitions and requests for non-prosecution to the courts and police."

A provincial party official said, "Currently, complainants and witnesses have been investigated, and during the investigation, it is known that Assemblyman Seo submitted a statement indicating that he made a correction statement at a later time in a different location," adding, "Making a correction statement is essentially an admission of having announced false facts."

He continued, "We must ensure a fair investigation and strictly hold accountable those who violate election laws so that public concerns about possible leniency under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration do not become reality."

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