‘Election Law Violation Charges’ Will the First Trial of Hong Nampyo, Changwon Special Mayor, End This Year?

The first trial for Hong Nampyo, mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, accused of violating the Public Official Election Act, which began in January this year, is increasingly likely to conclude within this year.

The Criminal Division 4 of Changwon District Court announced before the hearing on the 6th that the first trial is expected to conclude around mid-December.

According to court officials, a personnel reshuffle involving the presiding judge and other members of the trial panel is scheduled for February next year.

With the first trial expected to end before the personnel changes next year, attention is focused on the outcome of the first trial verdict for Mayor Hong.

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam (right), is walking toward the courtroom building of Changwon District Court to attend a trial.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

Earlier, Mayor Hong was indicted without detention on charges of conspiring with Mr. A to bribe Mr. B, who was attempting to run in the People Power Party primary during last June's nationwide local elections, by promising a public office.

All parties involved in the trial on this day?Mayor Hong, Mr. A, who is also on trial for the same charges, and Mr. B, who is accused of accepting the public office offer?were present.

During the hearings held in the morning and afternoon sessions, witness questioning of Mr. B has continued following the previous hearing.

Mayor Hong and Mr. A's sides have consistently argued that "Mr. B was not someone intending to become a candidate," while Mr. B's side claims "he expressed his intention to run," presenting conflicting statements.

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