Mokpo Mayor Park Hong-ryul Sent to Prosecution on Charges of Violating Public Official Election Act

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jeong Hyeong-seok] The local community is in turmoil as Park Hong-ryul, the mayor of Mokpo City, who is under investigation for violating the Public Official Election Act, has been sent to the prosecution, raising concerns about whether he will receive a sentence that nullifies his election victory.

The Mokpo Police Department announced on the 2nd that they had sent Mayor Park to the prosecution without detention on the 31st of last month on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.

Mayor Park is accused of disseminating false information with the intent to defeat opposing candidates during the June 1 local election, including at TV debates, election office openings, street campaigns, and press conferences.

The police investigated a total of 12 cases, including one charge of defamation along with violations of the Public Official Election Act, and determined that there was probable cause in 7 cases. Duplicate charges were consolidated.

In the local political circles, it is anticipated that if Mayor Park is indicted by the prosecution for violating the Public Official Election Act, he may receive a sentence that nullifies his election victory.

According to the Public Official Election Act, if a fine of 1 million won or more is confirmed, the election victory is nullified and the right to run for office is revoked for five years.