Kim Yongtae, a member of the People Power Party who was reported to the authorities for criticizing President Lee Jaemyung's remark about the "120 won coffee cost" during his presidential campaign, has been cleared of charges.
On August 22, the Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that it had decided not to refer Assemblyman Kim's case for prosecution on August 12, stating that there was no evidence of a violation of the Public Official Election Act.
On May 16, President Lee stated during a campaign rally in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, "You can sell a cup of coffee for 8,000 to 10,000 won, but from what I've found out, the cost is 120 won."
At the time, Assemblyman Kim, who was the acting leader of the People Power Party's emergency committee, pointed out on Facebook, "This statement struck a blow to the hearts of countless small business owners who make a living from coffee."
The Democratic Party reported Assemblyman Kim to the police, claiming that his post was the dissemination of false information intended to defeat the presidential candidate.
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