Jeonnam Police Conduct Search and Seizure of Persons Involved in Alleged Vote-Buying in Provincial Assembly By-Election

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] There has been continuous controversy surrounding the by-election for the Jeonnam Suncheon 1st electoral district provincial council member seat, which became vacant due to the passing of former Jeonnam Provincial Council member Kim Gitae.

According to the Jeonnam Police Agency on the 2nd, the police conducted a search and seizure of the residences and offices of some Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) party members on the 26th of last month in connection with allegations of money distribution.

The police launched an investigation after allegations arose that acquaintances of preliminary candidate A, who is running in the Suncheon 1st electoral district by-election, handed out envelopes containing 100,000 to 200,000 won to other party members.

Meanwhile, as complaints and reports about money being provided continued, the Democratic Party formed a special investigation committee to ascertain the facts. The nomination management committee held a meeting and judged two candidates as disqualified due to allegations of money distribution disputes between candidates, manipulation of text message sending, and violations of the duty to maintain dignity, deciding to reopen the candidate recruitment process.