Seoul Police Book 372 Election Offenders in '4.10 General Election'... 17 Referred to Prosecution

'Collective Resignation of Residents' Supervising Doctors' Investigation Nearing Completion
Ongoing Probe into Disclosure of Public Health Doctors' List

Regarding the 22nd National Assembly election held on the 10th, it has been revealed that more than 300 people were booked by the police in Seoul alone for violating the Public Official Election Act.

On the 22nd, Cho Ji-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said at a press briefing, "The statute of limitations for (election law cases) is six months, so there is not much time left, and the investigation guidelines were revised last year to require consultation with the prosecution three months prior," explaining the situation.

Chief Jo Ji-ho, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. [Image source=Yonhap News]

As of the 19th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has booked a total of 372 suspects for violating the election law. Among them, 17 were found to have charges and were sent to the prosecution. 31 were decided not to be prosecuted, and investigations are ongoing for the remaining individuals. By type, spreading false information accounted for the largest number with 140 cases, followed by 36 cases related to bribery.

The investigation into former and current executives of the Korea Medical Association (KMA), who are suspected of instigating collective action by resident doctors, is nearing its final stage. Commissioner Cho stated, "The investigation of the accused has been completed," and added, "About 16 witnesses have also been interviewed." When asked about plans to investigate the resident doctors, he replied, "There are currently no plans for such an investigation."

Additionally, the investigation continues into the case where the list of public health doctors dispatched to tertiary hospitals was leaked online. The police have booked some doctors who distributed the list and are currently tracking down the original creator and distributors. The investigation is also accelerating regarding individuals who posted inappropriate content on the doctors' community 'MediStaff.' Commissioner Cho said, "Among the 21 people who posted on MediStaff, investigations of 11 have been completed," and added, "We plan to investigate the remaining 10 as well."

Commissioner Cho also reported progress in the investigation related to allegations that information about soccer player Hwang Ui-jo (32) was leaked. He said, "It is true that the investigation has progressed considerably," and added, "We consider that someone forgot their police status and will conduct a thorough investigation." Earlier, Hwang’s side claimed that a broker approached him demanding money in exchange for halting the investigation and informed him of the search locations and times. Hwang has been referred to the prosecution on charges of illegal filming and secondary harm. The broker is reportedly not a former police officer.

Furthermore, Commissioner Cho urged special caution regarding the recent discovery of so-called 'daema jelly' (marijuana jelly) in Seoul. He said, "I am worried that people might unknowingly come into contact with marijuana while traveling to countries where it is legalized," and emphasized, "It would be good for the public to recognize the seriousness of this, and the police will strengthen tracking routes differently from ordinary cases."