Gyeongnam Education Chief Hopeful Kim Sangkwon Files Complaint Against Spreader of False Claim He Was a “Former KTU Member”

"Violation of the Public Official Election Act, Criminal Act, and Information and Communications Network Act Suspected...
Vows to Respond Firmly to Lies and Distortions"

Kim Sangkwon, a prospective candidate running for Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education in the nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3, has filed a complaint with the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, identifying a specific individual who spread false information online claiming that he is a former member of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union.

On the 23rd, Kim's campaign explained that they had filed a complaint with the investigative authorities against this individual on charges of violating Article 250 of the Public Official Election Act (Publication of False Information), Article 307 of the Criminal Act (Defamation), and Article 70 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (Defamation via Information and Communications Network).

Kim stated, "As I have already made clear on several occasions, I have no history of involvement in activities with the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union," and added, "In particular, during the election process four years ago, similar false information was circulated and I suffered considerable damage. I deeply regret that the same content is spreading again."

False information circulated in the post. Provided by the campaign of Kim Sangkwon, a preliminary candidate.

The post in question is reported to have been shared in more than 10 online band communities, each with hundreds of members participating.

Article 250 of the Public Official Election Act stipulates that if a person publishes false information about a candidate with the intention of preventing their election, they shall be punished by imprisonment for up to seven years or by a fine ranging from at least 5 million won to no more than 30 million won. Kim's campaign stressed, "This case is a serious matter that could distort facts about a candidate and thereby affect voters' judgment, and it could undermine the fairness of the election."

Kim said, "The election for superintendent of education is a core democratic procedure in which local residents directly choose the person responsible for education policy," adding, "It is an important process for securing the autonomy, expertise, and political neutrality of education, and for creating an educational environment suited to regional characteristics."

He continued, "The publication of false information during an election period is a serious criminal act that infringes on voters' freedom of decision-making," and said, "We call for a thorough and fair investigation by the relevant authorities." He also emphasized, "Going forward, we will respond firmly to lies and distortions."