‘Election Law Violation Suspicion’ Jo Ji-yeon, People Power Party Lawmaker, Summoned for Prosecution Investigation

On the 6th, Rep. Jo Ji-yeon of the People Power Party is reported to have appeared at the prosecution office as a suspect in violation of the Public Official Election Act to undergo investigation.

Assemblywoman Jo Ji-yeon of the People Power Party. [Photo by Office of Assemblywoman Jo]

The Public Investigation Division of Daegu District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Jeong-ok) summoned Rep. Jo on the same day as a suspect in violation of the Public Official Election Act for questioning.

Rep. Jo is accused of violating the election law by visiting individual offices and greeting public officials at Gyeongsan City Hall, its annex, and the Agricultural Technology Center in Gyeongbuk on April 1, 3, and 4, during the official campaign period for the 22nd National Assembly elections.

The Public Official Election Act prohibits visiting households for election campaigning. Violations can result in imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 6 million won.

Rep. Jo is also accused of 'false statement publication' for exaggerating her career in media interviews during the general election period. At that time, she introduced herself as an administrative officer who worked at the Presidential Office for two years and six months, but the actual working period was revealed to be one year and six months. Additionally, she claimed to have worked as an administrative officer (grades 3 to 5) for four years during former President Park Geun-hye's administration, but the investigation showed that her actual position was an administrative staff member (grades 6 to 9).

The Public Official Election Act prohibits publishing false information about a candidate’s birthplace, family relations, status, occupation, career, etc., to gain an advantage for election purposes. Violations can result in imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 30 million won. Previously, the police forwarded the household visit charges with a recommendation for prosecution, but did not indict on the false statement publication charges.

A prosecution official said, "We cannot comment on matters under investigation." Rep. Jo responded to the related allegations by saying, "I have nothing to say."