Prosecutors Allege "False Statement on Movement"… Baek Gyeong-hyeon, Guri Mayor's 'Morality' Under Scrutiny

Prosecution Seeks Prison Sentence for Baek Gyeong-hyeon, Guri Mayor, on Infectious Disease Violation Charges
Mayor Baek's Side Claims Innocence, Saying "No Intent Even If Falsehood Was Spoken"
Citizens Say, "Before Claiming Innocence, Apologize Humbly to the Citizens"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Baek Kyung-hyun, the mayor of Guri City, has been embroiled in a morality controversy after being sentenced to prison by the prosecution for falsely reporting his movement routes to quarantine authorities despite testing positive for COVID-19.

Baek Kyung-hyun, Mayor of Guri [Photo provided by Guri City]

On the 17th, at the sentencing trial held at the Uijeongbu District Court Namyangju Branch Criminal Division 1 (Judge Jung Hye-won), the prosecution requested the court to sentence Mayor Baek Kyung-hyun, who was indicted for violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, to six months in prison with a one-year probation.

According to the prosecution, after testing positive for COVID-19 in December 2021, Mayor Baek falsely reported his movement routes to epidemiological investigators, and as a result, the quarantine authorities reported him to the police on the 31st of the same month.

The mayor's side claimed innocence, stating, "He did not make false statements. Even if falsehoods were made, there was no intent."

The sentencing trial for Mayor Baek is scheduled to be held on the 2nd of next month.

Meanwhile, as this fact became known, criticism arose, saying, "This is a very serious criminal act that threatens the safety of the community and an act that betrays the responsibilities and duties as a citizen," putting Mayor Baek's morality under public scrutiny.

A citizen A from Sutaek-dong, Guri City, pointed out, "Although Mayor Baek was not in public office at the time of the violation, he had already served in public office and as mayor, and since he is currently the incumbent mayor, he should first bow his head and apologize to the citizens before claiming innocence."

B, a resident of Galmae-dong, criticized, "In 2021, when the public was struggling to follow quarantine rules while giving up normal life, and considering that he was not an ordinary individual but even ran for mayor the following year, there is no excuse for making false statements regardless of the reason."

The public office community, including Guri City Hall, is also stirred, saying, "He has betrayed duty and obligation."