Mokpo Mayor Park Hong-ryul's Wife Acquitted of Charges for Inducing Election Nullification

Former Mokpo Mayor Kim Jongsik's Wife Ms. C Sentenced to a Fine of 900,000 Won

The 1st Criminal Division of the Mokpo Branch of Gwangju District Court (Chief Judge Kim Tae-jun) acquitted A, the wife of Mokpo Mayor Park Hong-ryul, who was indicted without detention on charges of inducing election invalidation and other violations of the Public Official Election Act on the 25th.

Exterior view of Mokpo Branch, Gwangju District Court [Photo by Seo Young-seo]

In particular, C, the wife of former Mokpo Mayor Kim Jong-sik, who was accused of giving money to B, a woman indicted alongside A, was fined 900,000 won for violating the election law.

The court explained the background of the verdict, stating, "Although the number of calls frequently exchanged between Mayor Park's wife A and B was cited as evidence of conspiracy, the specific content of the calls could not be confirmed, so A cannot be held responsible as a co-principal offender."

A and others were indicted on charges of inducing election invalidation by demanding and receiving money from the wife of former Mokpo Mayor Kim Jong-sik in November 2021, ahead of the June 1 local elections, and then reporting it to the election commission.

At that time, B, who directly approached the wife of former Mayor Kim, reportedly received 15 boxes of shrimp and 1 million won in cash from her side.

The court sentenced B to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year probation, stating, "The crime was carried out in an organized and meticulous manner."

Meanwhile, under the Public Official Election Act, if the spouse of an elected official is convicted of violating election laws and fined 3 million won or more, the election is invalidated. However, with the acquittal, Mayor Park has for now overcome the crisis.

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