Gyeongnam Police Agency Forms Special Investigation Team for Saemaeul Geumgo Chairman Election... Strict Crackdown on Illegal Activities

by Lee Seryeong

Published 20 Jan.2025 22:06(KST)

Updated 01 Aug.2025 14:49(KST)

The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency announced on the 20th that it will begin a full-scale crackdown on illegal election activities ahead of the 1st nationwide simultaneous Saemaeul Geumgo chairman election to be held on March 5.

Starting from the 21st, the provincial police agency will form a special investigation team dedicated to election-related offenses and strengthen intelligence gathering on various illegal activities related to the election.

Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency. Photo by Se-ryeong Lee

They have defined the three major election crimes as bribery, spreading false information, and illegal election interference by Geumgo executives and employees, which seriously undermine the fairness of the entrusted election, and plan to strictly crack down on these offenses.

In particular, in preparation for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, they will conduct intensive crackdowns before and after the holiday to prevent the provision of money or gifts under the pretext of holiday greetings or Lunar New Year presents, as well as any illegal election campaigning.

Three Major Election Crimes Related to Proxy Voting. Provided by Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency

A representative of the provincial police agency stated, “Since this is the first election conducted by mandatory entrustment to the election management committee to enhance the transparency of the Saemaeul Geumgo chairman election, we will strictly investigate in accordance with the law and principles to ensure a fair election.”

They also added, “To realize a fair election, not only the police efforts but also active reporting and tips from Geumgo officials and the public are important,” urging, “Please report any illegal activities such as bribery, which frequently occur during the entrusted election process, via the 112 hotline or to the nearest police station.”

The Saemaeul Geumgo chairman election has changed from an indirect election system by delegates to a direct election system due to criticisms that the former was vulnerable to fraud and corruption.

As of the 7th of this month, 70 Saemaeul Geumgo branches across Gyeongnam Province are scheduled to hold chairman elections simultaneously on election day.