Former Reporter Sent to Trial for Defrauding 100 Million Won by Deceiving with "I'll Secure Your Nomination" Promise

Violation of Public Official Election Act and Fraud Charges
Former Cheong Administrative Officer Who Delivered Money Also Indicted

A former journalist who deceived victims by promising to secure a single nomination as a district candidate for a major party in the 22nd general election and embezzled a large sum of money has been brought to trial.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Public Investigation Division 2 (Chief Prosecutor Jeong Won-du) announced on the 10th that former journalist Kim, who embezzled about 100 million won under the pretext of securing a district candidate nomination for a specific party in the 22nd National Assembly election, has been arrested and indicted on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and fraud. Former public official Hwang, who provided the money, was also indicted without detention on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.

Seoul Seocho-gu Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. / Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Kim deceived Hwang by making him believe that he could secure a single nomination in the district, but it was investigated that he actually had no such power. There was no indication from the relevant party, and as a result, Hwang did not receive the nomination. Hwang served as a senior administrative officer at the Presidential Office during the Park Geun-hye administration.

After receiving the case from the police, the prosecution conducted supplementary investigations and judged that the charges of fraud and others were valid. A prosecution official stated, "We will do our best to maintain the prosecution so that the defendants who undermined the fairness of the election by providing illegal money receive sentences commensurate with their crimes."