Mr. A Files Petition with Chungnam Police Agency...Raises Allegations of Public Official Election Act Violation
Kim Kiwoong, the head of Seocheon County in South Chungcheong Province, who is currently under police investigation for alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act, is facing allegations that he allowed county office officials and the editor-in-chief of a local media outlet to use golf club memberships he owns.
According to an investigation by Asia Economy on the 18th, it was confirmed that Mr. A submitted a petition to the South Chungcheong Provincial Police Agency, claiming that Kim provided golf club memberships and discount coupons owned by his company to directors and team leaders at the county office as well as the editor-in-chief of a local media outlet, in violation of the Public Official Election Act (prohibition of offering gifts).
It is reported that Kim's company owns golf club memberships at Gunsan CC, Buyeo Lotte CC, and Boryeong Base CC, among others.
Mr. A claimed, "County office officials and journalists, among others, were allowed to use various golf courses at discounted rates dozens of times using the company golf memberships owned by Kim."
He further explained, "Some golf courses issue memberships and discount coupons."
In particular, Mr. A stated, "Public official Mr. B (a team leader), who used Kim's golf club membership, organized a golf club within the county office with three other team leader-level officials," adding, "Through this group, dozens of public officials were able to use golf courses at discounted rates on numerous occasions."
Mr. A argued, "Kim, as an elected official, is prohibited from making improper donations, yet he provided gifts to his subordinates and the editor-in-chief of a media outlet," and claimed, "The editor-in-chief used the memberships and discount coupons received from Kim to make donations to third parties."
He continued, "This fact is widely known among many county office employees," and added, "Golf course usage can be verified through the computerized system records."
He also stated, "I believe the South Chungcheong Election Commission's report of Kim and Mr. B for violations of the Public Official Election Act is related to the ongoing police investigation," and urged, "Please investigate these facts thoroughly and impose strict punishment."
An official from the South Chungcheong Provincial Police Agency said, "It is true that a petition regarding Kim has been submitted," but added, "We cannot disclose specific details."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
