Gyeongbuk Provincial Council Chairman Arrested on Billion-Won Bribery Charges: "Concerns About Destruction of Evidence and Flight"

Park Sungman, Chairman of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council, was arrested by police on April 30 on charges of accepting bribes from a local businessman.

Park Sungman, Chairman of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council. Provided by Asia Forum 21

On April 30, Judge Park Jungho, who is in charge of warrants at the Seoul Central District Court, issued an arrest warrant for Chairman Park after conducting a pretrial detention hearing on charges of bribery and violating the Political Funds Act. Judge Park explained the reason for issuing the warrant, stating, "There are concerns about destruction of evidence and risk of flight."

Chairman Park is suspected of receiving approximately 100 million won in cash and valuables on several occasions from a local businessman surnamed Song, starting in 2022, in connection with apartment construction projects in the Yeongju area of North Gyeongsang Province. Previously, the Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, which is investigating the case, applied for an arrest warrant for Chairman Park.