Free Performance at Publication Event with 1,000 Attendees... Pohang Nam-gu Election Commission Files Complaint Against Mayoral Hopeful

The Pohang Nam-gu Election Commission filed a complaint on the 6th with the Pohang Branch of the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office against Mr. A, a prospective candidate for the Pohang mayoral election, and his family member Mr. B, on charges of providing a free performance to constituents and others attending a publication celebration event.

An official from the Pohang Nam-gu Election Commission said, "At Mr. A's publication celebration event held at the end of last year, Mr. B allegedly mobilized five acquaintances and provided a performance to about 1,000 attendees, including constituents," adding, "Mr. B and his five acquaintances are professional performers who normally receive appearance fees, so by performing at the publication celebration event they provided constituents and others in attendance with a property benefit equivalent to an admission fee free of charge."

Pohang Nam-gu Election Commission

According to Article 113 (Restriction on Donation Acts by Candidates, etc.) Paragraph 1 of the Public Official Election Act, a candidate (including a person who intends to become a candidate) may not make donations to any person, institution, organization, or facility within the relevant constituency, or to any person outside the constituency who has ties to the constituents. In addition, under Article 114 (Restriction on Donation Acts by Families, etc. of Political Parties and Candidates) Paragraph 1, the candidate's lineal ascendants and descendants, siblings, and others are prohibited from making any donations on behalf of the candidate in connection with the relevant election. A violation of these provisions is punishable under Article 257 Paragraph 1 of the Act by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 10 million won.