[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] On the first day of the official start of the 4.7 by-election campaign, a banner of Shin Jihye, the Basic Income Party candidate for Seoul mayor, was found damaged. The candidate's camp suspects intentional vandalism.
According to the Basic Income Party, at 6:30 a.m. on the 25th, Shin's banner hung near Exit 3 of Hongdaeipgu Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 was found damaged. An election campaign worker who discovered the banner said, "The phrase 'Basic Income' on the banner appeared to have been torn repeatedly with a sharp object like a knife," and added, "One side of the banner's string was also cut, causing the banner to fall completely to the ground."
After discovering this, Shin's campaign reported the incident to Mapo Police Station and the Mapo Election Commission. The police plan to review CCTV footage on the same day to identify the suspect. Shin's camp warned that they would respond strongly.
Shin stated, "Seeing the banner, which was carefully created letter by letter with the campaign staff over several months, damaged like this really breaks my heart," and added, "If it is confirmed to be intentional vandalism, we will hold those responsible accountable through all legal means. Damaging banners is a serious crime that obstructs fair election campaigning."
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