Police Refer Kim Seokjun Without Detention for Violating Education Autonomy and Election Acts
Statements on “Legal Procedures” for Special Hiring of Dismissed Teachers Deemed False
Up to Five Years in Prison or 30 Million Won Fine Possible Under Election Law
Election Victory May Be Nullified Depending on Prosecution Investigation
Kim Seokjun, who was elected as the superintendent in the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education by-election, will be investigated by prosecutors on suspicion of making false statements related to the special hiring of previously dismissed teachers.
The Busan Jin Police Station in Busan announced on the 4th that Superintendent Kim has been referred to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Local Education Autonomy Act and the Public Official Election Act.
According to the police, Superintendent Kim is suspected of stating in media interviews and other occasions on April 2, ahead of the Busan superintendent by-election, that "the hiring of dismissed teachers followed legal procedures" and "there is no judicial risk." These statements contradicted the ongoing trial at the time, and investigators determined that this constituted the dissemination of false information under the Public Official Election Act.
Previously, in 2018, while serving as superintendent, Kim was indicted without detention and is currently on trial for allegedly hiring four teachers who had been dismissed for violating the National Security Act through irregular procedures. According to the Public Official Election Act, a candidate who publicly announces false information through broadcasts or newspapers for the purpose of being elected may face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.
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