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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

Gochang mayor's office searched over alleged bribery from construction firm

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • Police are investigating Gochang County Mayor Shim Deok-seop and associates for allegedly receiving money from a local construction company.
  • The investigation centers on allegations of violating the Political Funds Act, including receiving 70 million won before the 2022 local elections.
  • The mayor denies the allegations, stating they are baseless claims from a disgruntled individual and pledging full cooperation with the investigation.

Police have launched a forced investigation into Gochang County Mayor Shim Deok-seop and his close associates over suspicions of receiving illicit funds from a local construction firm. The anti-corruption and economic crime investigation unit of the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency is currently searching the Gochang County Hall, including the mayor's office, on charges including violations of the Political Funds Act.

The investigation is reportedly focused on allegations that Mayor Shim received 70 million won in cash from a construction company owner prior to the 2022 local elections. Authorities are also examining whether there was any quid pro quo, specifically if the company received favorable treatment in securing public works contracts in return for the alleged payments.

I take seriously the concern I have caused to the citizens regarding this matter. I will faithfully cooperate with the investigation to reveal the truth.

— Shim Deok-seopMayor of Gochang County, addressing the police investigation.

These allegations surfaced last month when a coalition of Gochang civic groups held a press conference, accusing Shim and his associates of violating the Political Funds Act. The police have officially registered Shim as a suspect and are proceeding with the investigation based on evidence gathered through the searches.

The allegations are one-sided claims from an individual harboring resentment during the election period and are completely untrue.

— Shim Deok-seopDenying the accusations of receiving illicit funds.

In response to the searches, Mayor Shim issued a statement acknowledging the concern caused to the citizens. "I take seriously the concern I have caused to the citizens regarding this matter," he stated. "I will faithfully cooperate with the investigation to reveal the truth."

However, Shim vehemently denied the accusations, characterizing them as "one-sided claims from an individual harboring resentment during the election period" and asserting they are "completely untrue." He expressed confidence that the investigation would clarify all facts and establish the truth.

I am confident that all facts will be clearly revealed and the truth will be uncovered through this investigation.

— Shim Deok-seopExpressing belief in the investigation's outcome.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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