Cheongju Councilor Under Investigation for Alleged Sex with Minor, Ran for Election After Initial Probe

A sitting Cheongju city councilor is facing a forced investigation by police over allegations of sexual relations with a minor. The councilor, identified as 'A', is accused of having sexual relations with a middle school student two to three times in a car and motel between October 2023 and October 2024. Police have also launched an investigation into alleged illegal filming.

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The issue (Coupang problem) is being managed as that issue, and we are continuing to consult at various levels to make progress on the matters agreed upon by both leaders in the joint fact sheet.

'A' allegedly met the student through a chat app and offered money and cigarettes in exchange for sexual relations. The police confirmed that 'A' admitted to the sexual relations during an initial investigation in late May but claimed ignorance of the victim's minor status. The investigation into the illegal filming allegations is ongoing.

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There is nothing I can tell you right now. We are continuing to consult.

Adding to the controversy, the councilor allegedly ran for and won a seat in the June local elections after undergoing the initial police investigation in late May, without disclosing the ongoing inquiry. The People Power Party is reportedly investigating the facts and plans to take strict measures if they are confirmed. The Democratic Party of Korea has called for the councilor's resignation and an apology from the People Power Party, also urging the Cheongju City Council to convene an ethics committee.

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We are trying to discover projects that meet commercial rationality, so I think more discussion is needed.

In response, a People Power Party official expressed shock and stated that the party is investigating the facts and will handle the matter strictly if confirmed. The accused councilor reportedly told the media, "It's unfair. I will explain later."

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There are so many issues because the relationship between South Korea and the U.S. is so intricate. Since there is a difference in the sense of the field between those in Washington D.C. and those at headquarters, I came here to hear the headquarters' thoughts and convey the sense of the field.