Eun Soo-mi on Appeal Court's Election Nullification Sentence: "Completely Innocent... Will Appeal to Supreme Court"

"I will respond well by appealing to the Supreme Court"
"I will be more faithful to my duties as mayor"

Eun Soo-mi, mayor of Seongnam City, who was indicted for violating the Political Funds Act and sentenced to a fine of 900,000 won in the first trial, is coming out after the appellate sentencing hearing held on the afternoon of the 6th at the Suwon High Court in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Eun Su-mi (57), mayor of Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, who was fined 900,000 won in the first trial on charges of receiving illegal political funds, was sentenced to disqualification from office in the appeal trial on the 6th. Mayor Eun Su-mi stated immediately after the verdict that she is "completely innocent." She also announced her intention to appeal to the Supreme Court through her SNS.

Right after the verdict, Mayor Eun told reporters as she left the courthouse, "I think the verdict is unfair. I will consult with my lawyer and respond appropriately," adding, "As mayor, I must respond well to the novel coronavirus. That is a more important issue." When asked about her stance on innocence, she replied, "Yes."

Later, in a post on her Facebook, Mayor Eun said, "I apologize for causing concern. This is related to events before my inauguration as mayor, and I sincerely apologize for the worries caused so far. I will appeal to the Supreme Court and respond properly."

She added, "However, right now, protecting the health and safety of the citizens, including responding to the novel coronavirus, is the priority. I will be more faithful to my duties as mayor."

She also said, "Although it is difficult to accept the second trial's verdict, it is a burden I must bear fully," and added, "Regardless of the trial process, without any wavering, I will fulfill my responsibilities as I have done since my inauguration."

The 1st Criminal Division of the Suwon High Court (Presiding Judge Noh Kyung-pil) sentenced Mayor Eun to a fine of 3 million won in the appeal trial on charges of violating the Political Funds Act.

The court stated, "Mayor Eun was fully aware that she was receiving transportation convenience as a donation, yet she received a vehicle and driving labor from Komatrade for one year," and added, "Such actions abandon the responsibility of politicians to contribute to the sound development of democratic politics and the public trust in fairness and integrity related to political activities."

If an elected official is sentenced to a fine of 1 million won or more for violating the Political Funds Act, their election is invalidated. Therefore, if this sentence is finalized, Mayor Eun will lose her mayoral position.