The police have launched a compulsory investigation in connection with allegations that a civil servant was involved in the election campaign of Yoo Jeong-bok, the Incheon Mayor who was a candidate in the People Power Party's presidential primary.
On September 9, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Investigation Unit of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency conducted a search and seizure at six locations in the main building of Incheon City Hall, including the Chief Secretary's Office, Public Relations Chief's Office, Public Relations Planning Office, Communication Secretary's Office, Video Editing Room, and Records Management Office. The police reportedly deployed about 20 investigators and secured documents and computers related to allegations that former and current term-based civil servants from Incheon City violated the Public Official Election Act.
A police official stated, "It is true that we conducted a search and seizure at Incheon City Hall," adding, "We cannot disclose specific details."
On the 9th, police officers were carrying seized items after completing a search and seizure at Incheon City Hall. Photo by Yonhap News
Ten former and current civil servants from Incheon City, including an individual referred to as A, are suspected of supporting Mayor Yoo, who was a candidate in the People Power Party primary in April, by accompanying him or assisting with event organization while still holding their civil servant status.
Although they submitted resignation letters on April 9, the day Mayor Yoo announced his presidential bid, it usually takes more than two weeks for resignations to be processed. As a result, they effectively participated in election campaigning as civil servants. The Public Official Election Act prohibits national and local government officials from engaging in election campaigns during party primaries.
Previously, the civic group Incheon Peace and Welfare Solidarity claimed that a significant number of the ten civil servants submitted resignation letters but participated in campaign activities before their resignations were processed, effectively engaging in illegal electioneering.The group also stated that some of these individuals, after controversy arose, returned to Incheon City and submitted requests to withdraw their resignations, and filed a petition with the police requesting an investigation.
A request for an investigation to verify the allegations was also submitted to the Incheon City Election Commission. Subsequently, the Election Commission filed a complaint with the police against three civil servants, including A, and three campaign staff members, on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.
The police are also continuing their investigation into a separate complaint filed by a civic group alleging that civil servants were mobilized for publicity activities for the People Power Party Council of City and Provincial Governors, which Mayor Yoo previously chaired.
Incheon Peace and Welfare Solidarity stated, "From July to September last year, the former spokesperson distributed press releases for the council to journalists several times, and one of these was an official press release issued under the name of Incheon City, with the person in charge listed as a secretary from Incheon City." The group reported this to the police, claiming, "This constitutes a violation of the Local Public Officials Act, as a civil servant engaged in party work."
Incheon Mayor Yoo Jungbok is registering as a candidate for the 21st presidential election primary at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on April 14, 2025. 2025.4.14 Yoo Jungbok candidate election campaign headquarters
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