Former Democratic Party Member Baek Gwang-hyun "Min Hyung-bae's Fake Military Service Explanation is False, Reported for Election Law Violation"

Suspected Newspaper Work During Military Service... Min Hyung-bae Explains "No Problem"

Clear Illegal Acts Such as Prohibition of Profit-Making and Concurrent Positions... Claims of False Information Disclosure

Min Hyung-bae, the Democratic Party candidate for Gwangsan-gu (Eul), Gwangju Metropolitan City, announced that Baek Gwang-hyun, a former Democratic Party member who raised issues during Min's past employment at a local newspaper, has filed a complaint against Min for false information disclosure under the Public Official Election Act.

On the 8th, Baek held a press conference at the Gwangju Metropolitan Council and claimed, "Min's explanation regarding the suspicion that he engaged in 'fake employment' or 'fake military service' during his service as a supplementary soldier is not true."

Baek Gwang-hyun held a press conference at the Gwangju Metropolitan Council on the morning of the 8th, announcing his intention to file a complaint against candidate Min Hyung-bae for the crime of false information disclosure under the Public Official Election Act.

Baek stated, "Min applied for and was finally accepted in the reporter recruitment at Jeonnam Ilbo during his supplementary soldier service period," adding, "Min explained on his Facebook that he did not violate any laws, including the Military Service Act, but I argue that this explanation is not true."

He continued, "This is a clear illegal act violating the prohibition of profit-making activities and concurrent employment under the National Public Officials Act and the Military Service Regulations (currently the Military Service Basic Act)," and explained, "If Min deceived Jeonnam Ilbo about his military service status to get employed, it can be regarded as 'obstruction of business by deception,' and if he forged his military service certificate, it constitutes forgery of official documents."

He also emphasized, "Min's explanation that his military service obligation was changed to night duty contradicts the principles of service and common sense of the public, causing a sense of deprivation among young soldiers and their families."

In response to the controversy, Min previously stated on Facebook, "I served as a short-term soldier in the Chosun University ROTC, reported my job application to my superior, and when the probation period began, my duty was changed from day to night shift," adding, "There was no illegal activity."

He further said, "Until 2006, there was no prohibition on profit-making activities for short-term soldiers under the Military Service Act," and warned, "I am angry at the political manipulation right before the election, and if there is no immediate apology, I will hold those responsible accountable."