Prosecution Demands 4 Million Won Fine
for "Dissemination of False Information"
The first trial verdict for Democratic Party lawmaker Chung Dongyoung, who was brought to court on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act, including the dissemination of false information, will be delivered on the 19th.
According to the legal community, the 11th Criminal Division of the Jeonju District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Sanggon) will hold the first trial sentencing for Chung, who was indicted on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act, at 11:40 a.m. on this day. This comes six months after his indictment last September, in accordance with the regulation of the Public Official Election Act that requires first-instance trials for election crimes to be concluded within six months from the date of prosecution.
Chung, a former journalist, is a senior politician who has served as a lawmaker in the 15th, 16th, 18th, 20th, and 22nd National Assemblies and was a candidate in the 17th presidential election. Throughout the trial, he asserted his innocence, stating, "I have never stood trial in any of the 18 elections I have run in."
The prosecution argued, "There is clear evidence, including recordings and videos, to prove Chung's charges," and requested a fine of 4 million won during the sentencing hearing held last month. This is an amount that would result in the nullification of his election. If he is found guilty of even some of the charges, it is expected to deal a blow to Chung's political standing.
Chung's side has completely denied the charges, including pre-election campaigning and the dissemination of false information, and claimed innocence. A legal expert commented, "A fine of 4 million won is considered high in election law trials," adding, "The key issue will be how the court evaluates the evidence and testimonies."
Chung was indicted on charges of announcing his candidacy and appealing for support using a microphone at local apartment complex year-end and new-year ceremonies before the official campaign period for the 22nd general election. He is also accused of telling supporters to "set the response age to be in their 20s" during a poll, later denying it and calling it "fake news." After the release of the recording, some facts were revealed, and Chung apologized, saying it was "a joking remark."
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