Violation of the Public Official Election Act During the Early Presidential Election Period
Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who is accused of aiding and abetting rebellion related to the emergency martial law on December 3, is attending a pre-arrest detention hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 27th. This is the first time in constitutional history that an arrest warrant has been requested for a former prime minister. 2025.08.27 Photo by Yoon Dongju
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been referred to the prosecution on charges of illegal donation during the period when an early presidential election was confirmed.
The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Unit of the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 24th that Han, who was booked without detention on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act, has been sent to the prosecution.
On April 15, while serving as acting president, Han visited Gwangju and personally donated ingredients at his own expense to a restaurant that runs a public interest project providing 1,000-won set meals to the underprivileged.
At that time, an early presidential election had been confirmed due to the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, and Han declared his candidacy for the presidency on May 2, about two weeks after making the donation to the restaurant.
The National Innovation Party reported Han to the police, defining his donation as an act of giving prohibited by the Public Official Election Act.
The police summoned Han for questioning on the 15th of this month and, having determined that the charges were valid, referred the case to the prosecution.
The statute of limitations for violations of the Public Official Election Act is six months, and in Han's case, it expires on the 3rd of next month.
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