‘Election Law Violation’ Seong Nakin Retains Changnyeong County Governor Position … 1st Trial Fine of 800,000 Won

Seong Nak-in, the mayor of Changnyeong County, Gyeongnam, who was prosecuted for violating the Public Official Election Act, received a fine of less than 1 million won in the first trial, allowing him to retain his mayoral position.

The Criminal Division 1 of the Miryang Branch of Changwon District Court sentenced Mayor Seong to a fine of 800,000 won on the 23rd in the first trial.

Seong Nak-in, Governor of Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongnam, presiding over the special meeting on improving integrity.
[Photo by Changnyeong-gun Office]

According to the court, Mayor Seong was indicted for violating the restriction on continuous donation activities by donating a certain amount to alumni meetings of the graduate school he belonged to in the second half of last year while serving as a member of the Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly.

On this day, both the prosecution's sentencing recommendation and the verdict for Mayor Seong's first trial were delivered.

The prosecution requested a fine of 2.5 million won for Mayor Seong, and after a recess of about five minutes, the verdict was announced.

The court stated, “Donation activities have a high possibility of encouraging money politics,” but added, “Considering the timing of the defendant’s donations, the intention to influence the election seems weak, and the amount is not large.”

It further explained the sentencing reason by saying, “The defendant admitted all charges and showed deep remorse.”

In his final statement, Mayor Seong said, “I sincerely regret causing anxiety and concern about another administrative gap to the residents,” and added, “If given the opportunity, I will do my best for administrative stability and regional development.”

Previously, Mayor Seong ran as an independent candidate and was elected in the April 5 by-election held after former mayor Kim Bu-young, who was indicted for voter bribery during the nationwide simultaneous local elections, passed away.

Elected officials are disqualified if they are sentenced to a fine of 1 million won or more for violating the Public Official Election Act.