Opposition Party to Appeal Decision Not to Prosecute in 'Ulsan Mayor Election Interference Allegation' Case

People Power Party Acting Party Leader Joo Ho-young and lawmakers are announcing their position on the court ruling regarding interference in the Ulsan mayoral election at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 15th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] The People Power Party has announced its intention to appeal the prosecution's decision not to indict in the 'Ulsan Mayor Election Interference Allegation Case.'

On the 15th, Jeong Jeom-sik, the chairman of the People Power Party's legal advisory committee, stated, "We plan to submit an appeal to the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office regarding the non-indictment decisions for former Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok, former Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Cho Kuk, Senior Administrative Officer Lee Gwang-cheol, and Ulsan Mayor Song Cheol-ho."

Jeong explained, "We are filing the appeal because it is inconceivable, given the characteristics of the civil service organization and the customary practices of the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs' office, that illegal operations would be conducted independently by the Civil Affairs Secretary and Anti-Corruption Secretary without reporting to the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs."

Kim Ki-hyun, a People Power Party member and former Ulsan Mayor at the time, also said, "The reasons for non-indictment in this case feel like a defense counsel's brief," emphasizing, "When doubts remain, especially in cases like this where the non-indictment reasons state 'there is a strong suspicion that it is true,' the prosecution must conduct compulsory investigations and additional inquiries to uncover the substance of those strong suspicions."

Kim added, "I have not even heard news of the seizure and search of mobile phones belonging to former Chief of Staff Im, former Senior Secretary Cho, and Senior Administrative Officer Lee," criticizing, "If searches and forensic analyses were conducted, please disclose the details specifically. If not, this would also constitute a negligent investigation and a cover-up operation."

Kwack Sang-do, a People Power Party lawmaker, also released a statement that day saying, "It is difficult to accept the prosecution's decision of no charges," and urged, "Before President Moon Jae-in's order for inspection, swift action should be taken starting with the current Administrative Officer Lee and National Situation Office Chief Lee Jin-seok."