'Violation of Election Law' Ahn Gwi-ryeong, Democratic Party Spokesperson, Sentenced to 700,000 Won Fine

Appealing for Micro Support Before the Official Election Campaign Period

During the 22nd National Assembly election, Ahn Gwi-ryeong, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea (age 35), who appealed for support using a microphone despite it not being the official campaign period, was sentenced to a fine in the first trial.

The Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Northern District Court (Chief Judge Lee Dong-sik) announced on the 25th that it had sentenced spokesperson Ahn, who was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act, to a fine of 700,000 KRW on the 22nd.

The court stated, "The defendant used a loudspeaker three times before the official campaign period to conduct electioneering by improper means," and added, "Considering the legislative intent of the Public Official Election Act, which strictly limits pre-campaign and campaign methods to prevent unfair elections, the defendant's culpability is not light."

Earlier, on March 6, spokesperson Ahn wore campaign clothing and used a microphone at a senior citizens' cultural center in Dobong-gu, Seoul, saying, "I have come as the Democratic Party's candidate for the National Assembly," and appealed, "I will work hard in Dobong-gu from now on."

Then, on March 12, at a singing class in Dobong-gu, Seoul, Ahn again wore campaign clothing and used a microphone to greet, "Please support me," and on March 16, participated in the opening ceremony of the election office for the National Assembly candidate in Dobong-gu Eul district, using a microphone to say, "I will serve the senior politicians in Dobong well and become a new worker," conducting electioneering.

According to the Public Official Election Act, electioneering using loudspeakers is only allowed during the official campaign period. The official campaign period for the 22nd general election was from March 28 to April 9.