Former Seosan Mayor Maeng Jeong-ho Confirmed Not Guilty of Election Law Violation Charges

Supreme Court Dismisses Prosecution's Appeal
Finalizes Acquittal of Former Seosan Mayor Maeng Jeong-ho

Former Seosan Mayor of Chungnam, Maeng Jeong-ho, was acquitted by the Supreme Court after being tried for violating the Public Official Election Act.

Yonhap News

According to the legal community on the 15th, the Supreme Court's 2nd Division (Justice Oh Kyung-mi) dismissed the prosecution's appeal against the second trial ruling that acquitted former Mayor Maeng and confirmed the original verdict.

Former Mayor Maeng had been involved in a legal battle for over three years after being accused of violating the Public Official Election Act (spreading false information) related to his campaign remark during the last local election, where he said, "Should a candidate who tries to speculate using information become mayor?"

After the local election, former Mayor Maeng was reported by a citizen and the People Power Party's Chungnam Provincial Party. Although he was initially cleared by the prosecution, Mayor Lee Wan-seop filed a re-investigation request on the same matter, which the prosecution accepted, eventually leading to a Supreme Court judgment.

The first trial acknowledged the falsehood but ruled that the statement was not made with intent and did not affect the election, resulting in a suspended fine of 3 million won. The second trial court acquitted him, stating that it was reasonable to view Maeng’s statement as an opinion rather than a fact, and that "implied false facts not stated in the indictment cannot be subject to judgment."

After the acquittal, former Mayor Maeng posted on Facebook, "It was a long time, but through reflection and determination, I have grown and become stronger," adding, "I will tighten my shoelaces again and follow the path the citizens lead me to."