Representative Ha Young-je at risk of detention, awaiting at Changwon Prison

On the 3rd at 2 PM, Ha Young-je, a member of the People Power Party, finished the pre-arrest warrant hearing held at Changwon District Court in Gyeongnam and came out of the courtroom around 4:10 PM.

He remained silent in response to reporters' questions about his statements and other matters, and then boarded a prosecution transport vehicle to be taken to Changwon Prison to await the decision on his detention.

People Power Party lawmaker Ha Young-je is heading to the courtroom at Changwon District Court in Gyeongnam for the warrant hearing.
[Photo by Lee Se-ryeong]

Ha is accused of receiving 70 million won from a preliminary candidate for the Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly election as a bribe in exchange for helping the candidate secure the nomination ahead of the nationwide local elections in June last year, and a total of 57.5 million won from local government heads and their aides under the pretext of operating expenses for regional offices.

On March 20, the 4th Criminal Division of Changwon District Prosecutors' Office applied for an arrest warrant for Ha on charges including political funds violations and breach of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

On March 30 of the same month, the National Assembly passed a motion consenting to Ha's arrest.

The decision on whether to issue the arrest warrant is expected later that afternoon, and if the warrant is issued, Ha will be detained at Changwon Prison.

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