Democratic Party Urges Prosecution to Indict Changwon Second Vice Mayor for Violation of Anti-Graft Act

The Changwon City Council members of the Democratic Party of Korea have called for the immediate indictment of Cho Myeongrae, the Second Deputy Mayor of Changwon, who is suspected of violating the Political Funds Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

On the 14th, the Changwon City Council members of the Democratic Party held a press conference in front of the Changwon District Prosecutors' Office and stated, "Deputy Mayor Cho was referred to the Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency in 2023 on charges of violating the Political Funds Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act during the 2022 local elections."

"Even now, eight months after the case was referred, the prosecution has delayed and has not filed charges," they criticized, adding, "The prosecution itself has undermined the rigor and fairness of the law, shaking the foundation of the rule of law and eroding public trust."

The Democratic Party of Korea's Changwon Special City Council members in Gyeongnam are urging the prosecution to indict Jo Myungrae, the second vice mayor. Photo by Lee Seryung

They continued, "There have also been reports alleging that Deputy Mayor Cho, during the selection process for the candidate site for the Changwon No. 2 National Industrial Complex, repeatedly reported the situation and discussed key matters with a private individual, Myung Taegyun, who held no official position," insisting, "A thorough investigation into this matter must also be conducted."

The council members emphasized, "If the prosecution continues to delay the investigation, we will consider it a breach of duty or dereliction of duty and will take all possible actions, including a petition to the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee."

After the press conference, they visited the Changwon District Prosecutors' Office civil affairs office and submitted a written opinion urging indictment.

The Democratic Party of Korea's Changwon Special City Council members in Gyeongnam are entering the Changwon District Prosecutors' Office Civil Complaints Room to submit a petition urging the prosecution of Jo Myungrae, the second deputy mayor. Photo by Lee Seryung

Deputy Mayor Cho is suspected of receiving an office for political activities and personal officetel rent from an individual identified as A, a member of Hong Nampyo's campaign staff during the June 1, 2022 nationwide local elections.

It is known that the prosecution temporarily suspended the investigation into Deputy Mayor Cho after taking over the so-called "Myung Taegyun Gate" case late last year, but has recently resumed the investigation.