Former County Head Ha Jong-geun with Bribery Conviction Declares Candidacy for Changnyeong County Governor By-election

"Building a New Changnyeong So That the Death of the Late County Governor Kim Bu-young Is Not in Vain"

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Wook] Former Changnyeong County Governor Ha Jong-geun, who resigned from his position as county governor about a year ago due to a bribery scandal, has declared his candidacy for the Changnyeong County Governor by-election with the determination to ensure that the late County Governor Kim Bu-young's death will not be in vain and to revive the new spirit of Changnyeong.

Candidate Ha apologized, saying, "I am sorry for causing great pain to the residents 16 years ago due to my shortcomings and mistakes," and appealed his innocence, stating, "Although I was caught in the trap of local power groups at the time, I never received or touched a single penny of illicit money, and I resisted without succumbing to persuasion or threats." Ha was imprisoned for this case, and after the first and second trials, the Supreme Court confirmed a five-year prison sentence, and he served about three years in prison.

Ha Jong-geun, a candidate running in the by-election for the governor of Changnyeong County, Gyeongnam, is reading his statement of candidacy.
[Photo by Kim Wook]

Candidate Ha said, "In Changnyeong, the term 'Changnyeong Ojeok (昌寧汚賊)' is circulating," and added, "I feel heartbroken thinking that former County Governor Kim Bu-young was unable to overcome the pain of being trapped in the same snare as I was."

He then expressed his determination, saying, "With a sense of responsibility to resolve the matter, I will ensure that the death of former County Governor Kim is not in vain and will definitely complete the vision for Changnyeong's future."

Regarding the disqualification clause in the People Power Party's nomination rules that excludes candidates with a history of bribery, Candidate Ha gave an ambiguous answer, saying, "I will apply for a retrial and secure the nomination." When asked whether they would select an external candidate like former County Governor Kim Bu-young, he replied, "Local talent will be given priority."