Candidate for uncontested election faces disqualification after registration nullified

A candidate poised for an uncontested victory in the Bucheon City Council proportional representation election has had her candidacy invalidated, sparking controversy. Park Yeon-soon, representing the Democratic Party, was notified by the Wonmi District Election Commission that her registration was voided due to her continued role as a private kindergarten director.

According to election law, individuals running for local council seats must resign from positions that could pose a conflict of interest, such as running a private kindergarten, at least 30 days prior to the election. Park claims she had previously consulted with election commissions in both the Wonmi and Ojeong districts, receiving assurances that her position would not prevent her candidacy.

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At the time, I was told by the election commission that I did not have to resign as a private kindergarten director.

Park stated in an interview with Hankyoreh that she was told by election officials that she did not need to resign from her kindergarten director role. She only inquired about the resignation process after realizing she was set to win without a vote and was assisting other candidates. It was then that the Bucheon Education Support Office informed her that her position was indeed disqualifying.

Following this, Park reportedly re-contacted the Wonmi District Election Commission. She alleges that after explaining the situation and the education office's stance, the commission initially stated they would review the matter, only to issue the invalidation notice the next day. The Gyeonggi Provincial Election Commission has stated it will investigate the specific details of the consultations that took place.

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At the time, the election commission said there was no problem. But when I said the Bucheon Education Support Office said it was not possible, they said they would review it and notified me of the invalidation of my candidacy the next day.