Ga Seung Sseureonaerin Gu In-mo, Geochang County Governor, Fined 700,000 Won for Election Law Violation

Gu In-mo, Governor of Geochang County, Gyeongnam (center), is shaking hands with supporters after the first trial verdict on election law violation.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporters Choi Soon-kyung, Lee Se-ryeong] Gu In-mo, mayor of Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam, who was on trial for violating the Public Official Election Act, was sentenced to a fine of 700,000 won on the 22nd.

The 2nd Criminal Division of the Geochang Branch of Changwon District Court handed down a fine in the first trial on the same day, stating, "He violated the regulations related to the Public Official Election Act in his capacity as an incumbent mayor, undermining the fairness of the election."

According to the court, Mayor Gu, as an incumbent public official, is accused of posting the results of a public opinion poll jointly conducted by four local newspapers in Geochang on January 25 on SNS and the Geochang Band newsroom during the nationwide simultaneous local elections in June.

The Public Official Election Act prohibits election campaigning by public officials and the announcement of support ratings by candidates or those intending to become candidates.

The court said, "Posting the public opinion poll results showing himself in first place on Band and other platforms ahead of the local elections constitutes election campaigning prohibited for public officials, and the nature of the offense is not light."

It added, "Considering that he deleted the post immediately after being pointed out by the Election Commission, that the number of Band members is small so the impact on the election results seems limited, and that he acknowledged and reflected on his actions," explaining the reasons for sentencing.

According to the court, the prosecution had previously requested a fine of 1,500,000 won during the hearing.

Mayor Gu said, "I humbly accept the court's decision and will not appeal," adding, "I apologize for causing concern to the residents and will carry out the county administration with a sincere attitude for regional development."

Under the Public Official Election Act, elected public officials lose their position if sentenced to a fine of 1,000,000 won or more, but if Mayor Gu's sentence is finalized as is, he will be able to maintain his position as mayor.

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