Former Busan mayoral candidate faces arrest warrant over alleged staged assault

Prosecutors have sought arrest warrants for a former Reform Party candidate for Busan mayor and an accomplice, who are suspected of staging an assault during the recent local elections. The candidate, Jeong Yi-han, and a 30-something individual identified as 'A' were named in arrest warrant applications filed on June 3rd, according to the Geumjeong Police Station in Busan.

Jeong was allegedly splashed with a drink by 'A' on April 27th near Sejeong Tower in Geumjeong-gu, Busan. His campaign team claimed the assailant shouted insults at him. However, police investigations revealed that 'A' was Jeong's personal trainer, raising suspicions of a staged incident. Police covertly investigated the possibility of election interference before notifying the Reform Party's central headquarters after the election and subsequently raiding the campaign office.

Jeong, who declared his retirement from politics shortly after the election, has since left the Reform Party through an online system. A hearing for the arrest warrants is scheduled for June 8th at the Busan District Court.