Prosecutors Dismiss Charges Against Rep. Lee Jeongheon Over Alleged Election Law Violations

Lee Jeong-heon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (Seoul Gwangjin-gap), who was accused of violating the Public Official Election Act in the last general election, has been cleared of charges by the prosecution.

On the 6th, the Criminal Division 6 of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Sang-hyeok) announced that both Lee and A, an unregistered election campaign worker, were found not guilty of violating the Public Official Election Act for allegedly promising a public office after election in connection with election campaigning.

However, the prosecution stated that B, Lee’s election campaign manager, and A will be indicted without detention on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act for providing A with 3 million won in cash related to election campaigning.

Earlier, the police had forwarded Lee to the prosecution on the 23rd of last month on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act. Lee was reported to the Gwangjin District Election Commission on suspicion of handing over several cash envelopes to campaign staff before the official start of the election campaign. According to the Public Official Election Act, candidates are prohibited from paying election campaign workers before candidate registration.

He was also accused of sending a message to campaign staff saying, "If elected, let's go to the National Assembly together." Under election law, it is forbidden to propose or promise a position to voters for the purpose of election.

At the time of the accusation, Lee denied all allegations, stating, "This is a fabricated defamatory falsehood aimed at my defeat."