Jung Chungrae Orders Suspension of Imsil Governor Runoff Vote Counting, Investigation Over 'Cash Envelope Allegations'

by Woo Sooyoun

Published 21 Apr.2026 18:14(KST)

Jung Chung-rae, Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on April 21 ordered the postponement of ballot counting for the runoff election to select the candidate for Imsil County Governor in North Jeolla Province, where allegations of cash envelopes and other bribes have been raised, and instructed that the matter be investigated thoroughly.

The Democratic Party of Korea delivered Jung’s instructions through a media announcement on the same day.

Accordingly, the vote counting by the North Jeolla Provincial Election Commission will be put on hold, and an investigation at the party’s central level is expected to take place.

Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Earlier, Seong Junhu, a preliminary candidate who lost in the primary for Imsil County Governor, held a press conference and claimed that a member of Han Deuksu’s camp had handed out envelopes of cash to local residents, urging an ethics inspection.

In response, Han Deuksu, the preliminary candidate, issued a statement drawing a clear line, saying, “The cash envelope allegations have nothing to do with Han Deuksu’s campaign office.”