Prosecution Indicts Kim Moonsoo and Hwang Kyoahn Without Detention for 'Public Official Election Act Violations' in 21st Presidential Election

The prosecution has brought Kim Moonsoo, former presidential candidate of the People Power Party, to trial without detention on charges of distributing business cards to voters as a preliminary candidate during the 21st presidential election.

The Public Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Acting Chief Prosecutor Yoon Sujeong) announced on the 3rd that on December 2, it had indicted former candidate Kim without detention on some charges of violating the Public Official Election Act, while deciding not to prosecute him on other charges.

Former candidate Kim is accused of distributing preliminary candidate business cards to five people and soliciting their support inside a subway station ticket gate, a day before the final candidate selection within the party, while running as a candidate in the People Power Party primary.

The Public Official Election Act prohibits preliminary candidates from distributing business cards inside ticket gates at terminals, stations, and airports.

However, the prosecution decided not to indict former candidate Kim on charges of distorting and publicly announcing poll results by mentioning terms like 'Golden Cross' during the campaign period.

The prosecution explained that after the police transferred the case, they summoned the suspect and reviewed the evidence and legal principles, taking into account that, although there was a possibility of misleading voters, it could also be regarded as a simple expression of opinion.

In addition, Son Hyosook, head of the conservative group 'Reebak School', and Hwang Kyoahn, former Prime Minister, were also indicted without detention for violating the Public Official Election Act by using private organizations and groups for electioneering during the 21st presidential election.

Son is accused of establishing an election-related private organization called '6·3 Jaseungdan' and leading efforts to secure the election of a specific candidate. It was found that Son had people post favorable comments for a particular candidate online and provided cash and other financial incentives to those who carried out the commenting activities.

Former Prime Minister Hwang is accused of running in the last presidential election and illegally using an organization he founded and operated, the 'Election Fraud and Corruption Prevention Corps' (Bubangdae), for electioneering, as well as promoting his achievements and pledges to influence the election.