'Violation of Political Funds Act' Ansan Mayor Yoon Hwa-seop Fined 1.5 Million Won in First Trial... Risk of Losing Mayoral Position

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Yoon Hwa-seop, mayor of Ansan City, who was indicted on charges of violating the Political Funds Act, was sentenced to a fine of 1.5 million won, which corresponds to the loss of mayoral office, in the first trial.

On the 24th, Judge Cho Hyung-woo, head of Criminal Division 4 at Suwon District Court Ansan Branch, delivered this sentence to Mayor Yoon.

Judge Cho stated, "It is recognized that the defendant directly received political funds from supporter Mr. A," and "this constitutes a violation of Article 45, Paragraph 1 (Illegal Receipt of Political Funds) of the Political Funds Act."

He also said, "The defendant received funds after helping Mr. A with an art exhibition, which should be regarded as a donation," and "although the defendant claims the money was borrowed from Mr. A, it cannot be considered a private loan."

He continued, "Receiving funds secretly inside a car and violating the Political Funds Act is a serious offense," but added, "However, the fact that the defendant has no prior violations of the Public Official Election Act or the Political Funds Act was taken into consideration as a favorable circumstance."

If this sentence is finalized as is, Mayor Yoon will lose his eligibility to run for office and consequently lose his mayoral position.

According to the Public Official Election Act, if a fine of 1 million won or more is confirmed for violating Article 45, Paragraph 1 of the Political Funds Act, the right to run for office is revoked for five years and the individual must resign from the relevant position.

Mayor Yoon was investigated on charges of receiving 5 million won from Mr. A around April 2018, ahead of the June 13 local elections, and was brought to trial in February last year.