People Power Party Lifts Suspension Penalties for Oh Sehoon and Yoo Jeongbok, Allowing Participation in Local Election Primaries

Approved at the People Power Party Supreme Council on March 5

The People Power Party has suspended the effect of the suspension penalties imposed on Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon and Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeongbok. According to party regulations, those indicted by the prosecution are subject to suspension from duty; however, an exception was applied to guarantee their participation in the local elections.

On March 5, Choi Boyoon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, announced the outcome after the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that afternoon. Choi explained, "According to the regulations of the Central Ethics Committee, those indicted for violating the law are subject to suspension from duty, but with the application of a special provision, the disciplinary action can be suspended." He added, "Yesterday, the Central Ethics Committee decided to suspend the duty suspension penalties for Oh Sehoon, Yoo Jeongbok, and Lim Jongdeuk."

He went on to say, "As a result, Mayor Oh Sehoon, Mayor Yoo Jeongbok, and others will be eligible to participate in the upcoming local election primaries."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th. Photo by Yonhap News

According to the People Power Party's internal regulations, individuals indicted on charges such as 'illegal political fundraising' or other violations of the law are immediately disqualified from candidacy and nomination applications for any party primaries as soon as they are indicted, in accordance with the Ethics Committee's disciplinary decision. However, if it is determined that there are valid reasons such as 'political oppression,' the party leader may cancel the disciplinary decision through a resolution by the Ethics Committee.

Mayor Oh was indicted for allegedly violating the Political Funds Act by having political broker Myung Taegyun pay for opinion poll expenses ahead of the April 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election. Mayor Yoo was indicted last year for allegedly mobilizing public officials during the People Power Party's presidential primary, in violation of the Public Official Election Act.

Assemblyman Lim was indicted for allegedly abusing his authority and violating the State Public Officials Act by exerting undue influence over personnel decisions while serving as the second deputy director of the National Security Office under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.

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