'Real Estate Nominee Ownership' Lawmaker Yang Jeong-suk Sentenced to 3 Million Won Fine in First Trial... Disqualification from Election

Fine of 3 Million Won for Violation of Public Official Election Act
8-Month Prison Sentence with 2-Year Probation for False Accusation
Court: "Concealed Economic Situation to Exploit Voters"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Independent lawmaker Yang Jeong-suk, who was indicted on real estate-related allegations shortly after the 21st general election, was sentenced to a penalty that invalidates her election in the first trial.

The Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Sung Bo-gi) held a sentencing hearing for Yang, who was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act and for false accusation. She was fined 3 million KRW for violating the Public Official Election Act and sentenced to 8 months in prison with a 2-year probation for false accusation. If an elected public official is sentenced to a fine of 1 million KRW or more for violating the Public Official Election Act, they lose their position or their election is invalidated.

The court stated, "The economic status of a candidate is an important factor for voters when choosing a candidate in public elections, so falsifying this information cannot be taken lightly," and added, "The defendant denied the charges during the investigation and trial process and even filed false accusation charges against Democratic Party officials and journalists who raised these issues, which makes it difficult to see that she is reflecting on her wrongdoing."

However, the court explained, "Since she was a proportional representation candidate, it is difficult to see that this offense had a significant impact on the election outcome, and the withdrawal of the false accusation during the investigation phase was a favorable factor for the defendant."

Earlier, Yang was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act for deliberately omitting properties, including real estate held under her younger brother's name, when filing her asset report with the National Election Commission ahead of the April 15, 2020 general election.

Additionally, Yang filed a defamation lawsuit against journalists from media outlets that reported suspicions of her holding real estate under her younger brother's name. The prosecution viewed this as a false accusation and indicted her for false accusation.