Request for correction filed with the Press Arbitration Commission, criminal complaint against false informant initiated
Claiming it is a political scheme to undermine principled administration
Andong Mayor Kwon Kichang has launched a strong legal response, including a request for a correction report and a criminal complaint, arguing that the recently raised allegations of instigated accusations and the receipt of election funds are malicious smear campaigns based on false information.
On February 25, Mayor Kwon’s side stated that they had filed an application for press mediation with the Press Arbitration Commission, demanding a correction report and a rebuttal report against a specific broadcast report, and that they had filed a criminal complaint against the informant who spread false information on charges of defamation by means of publications. They also explained that they are reviewing ways to hold legally accountable the media outlets and related parties that reported the allegations without sufficient fact-checking.
Mayor Kwon’s side defined the essence of this case as a retaliatory disclosure following the refusal of a personnel solicitation. They claimed that, during the election, unjust personnel demands such as the promotion of relatives continued on the grounds of participation in the campaign, and when these demands were rejected, false disclosures were made under the guise of whistleblowing in the public interest. In particular, they pointed out that, given the timing of the allegations being raised ahead of the local elections, there is a possibility of an organized smear campaign with political motives.
Regarding the allegation of instigated accusations, they stressed that, after a civil complaint on violations of the Local Subsidy Act was filed in 2022, the matter was referred to investigative authorities following a review by the responsible department as part of a normal administrative procedure. Their position is that it was a routine measure taken in accordance with the law, not an instruction or intervention targeting a specific individual.
On the claim of receiving election funds, they countered that the informant’s statements lack credibility because they differ from one media outlet to another. Unlike earlier interviews that mentioned the delivery of funds through a third party, the informant later claimed direct delivery, and as these statements were reversed, they argued that it is difficult for the facts themselves to be established.
Mayor Kwon Kichang stated, “If the choice to uphold the public system and principles over personal relationships has led to malicious smears, I will respond firmly for the sake of the citizens’ honor,” adding, “I will not be swayed by baseless allegations and will focus solely on the citizens as I push ahead with municipal tasks without disruption.”
Kwon Kichang, Mayor of Andong, Rebuts False Allegations Head-On: "Legal Action Against Fake News Is Inevitable"
Allegations raised in the run-up to local elections leave a significant impact on the local community, regardless of whether they are true. In particular, issues involving personnel matters and political funds are especially sensitive because they strike at the core of trust in administration. However, it is difficult to ignore that, if the process of raising and verifying allegations is swayed by political interests, both the continuity of administration and the driving force behind key local agendas can be weakened at the same time.
The crux of this case lies not so much in the clash of claims and counterclaims as in what the objective facts are. The outcome of the press mediation process and the investigation is expected to be a watershed that determines the direction of the controversy, and in that process, it appears that both the political sphere and the media maintaining a responsible attitude will be key to minimizing conflict within the local community.
Ultimately, what citizens demand is not political strife but transparent fact-finding and stable municipal governance. If the allegations are true, strict accountability must follow, and if they are proven false, corresponding responsibility must also clearly follow. In this sense, this case is likely to become a test of the level of trust in local politics.
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