A young politician who was convicted alongside Hong Nampyo, former mayor of Changwon Special City in South Gyeongsang Province, whose election was nullified due to a confirmed violation of the Public Official Election Act, bowed his head in front of Changwon City Hall.
Lee Jaehwan, former spokesperson of the People Power Party Gyeongnam Provincial Office, stated, "On April 5, 2022, I violated the Public Official Election Act by accepting the proposal of former Mayor Hong, who was then a candidate for Changwon mayor." He continued, "Although it is belated, I realized my wrongdoing and, not wanting to live in shame, I took responsibility and voluntarily sought legal punishment, reflecting on and regretting my actions."
He added, "I am deeply sorry for causing a vacancy in city administration and great concern to the citizens due to the incident involving myself and former Mayor Hong. Once again, I sincerely apologize with a bowed head."
Lee Jaehwan, former spokesperson of the People Power Party Gyeongnam Provincial Office, is holding an official apology press conference in front of Changwon Special City Hall. Photo by Lee Seryeong
He explained, "It is common sense to apologize when you have done something wrong. In the political world, people often avoid acknowledging their mistakes or hope time will make them forgotten, out of fear that even a sincere apology will result in a negative label. However, if I do not admit my wrongdoing, I would be no different from the previous generation or those I have criticized, so I am taking responsibility and apologizing."
He went on to say, "I want to show that politicians can also apologize. I sincerely hope that no other young person repeats the same mistake I made, which is why I am apologizing and leaving this as a record."
Lee Jaehwan, former spokesperson of the People Power Party Gyeongnam Provincial Office, is making an official apology in front of Changwon Special City Hall. Photo by Lee Seryeong
Lee reported that, ahead of the nationwide local elections in June 2022, he accepted an offer of a public office in exchange for not running, from former Mayor Hong, who was then a candidate, and from A, the head of Hong's campaign headquarters.
He was tried on this charge and received a final sentence of four months in prison, suspended for one year.
Former Mayor Hong was also tried for promising Lee a public office in exchange for joining his campaign, in collusion with A, to prevent Lee from running in the People Power Party's primary for Changwon mayor. Hong received a final sentence of six months in prison, suspended for one year.
Under the Public Official Election Act, if an elected public official is convicted of violating the act and receives a prison sentence or a fine of 1 million won or more, their election is nullified.
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