Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang Under Investigation for Election Law Violations

Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang is facing legal scrutiny after being booked without detention on charges of violating election laws. The investigation by the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency's Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit 2 is reportedly connected to his close associates who were recently arrested.

Sources indicate that the charges against Mayor Kwon stem from his alleged involvement with individuals recently detained for violations of the Political Funds Act and bribery. The police have stated that specific details cannot be disclosed as the investigation is ongoing. They plan to summon Mayor Kwon for questioning around August 28.

Several individuals described as Mayor Kwon's associates have been arrested in recent times. One individual, identified only as 'A' (50s), an outside director at an Andong city-affiliated organization, was arrested and indicted for allegedly receiving and returning 50 million won in donations twice from a mountaineering club president in 2022. Another associate, also identified as 'A' (50s), a former communication secretary for Andong City, was arrested and sent for trial on charges of receiving approximately 80 million won in bribes and providing favors in connection with a contract for supplying 관급자재 (government-procured materials) to Andong City.

Mayor Kwon, a member of the People Power Party, was elected as Andong's mayor in 2022 and subsequently won re-election in the local elections held in June. The unfolding investigation casts a shadow over his administration.