Gyeonggi Province Mayors Face Investigations After Re-election

Re-elected local leaders in South Korea's Gyeonggi Province are confronting a wave of legal scrutiny following the recent local elections. Multiple mayors and county chiefs who secured another term are now subjects of ongoing police and prosecutorial investigations into various allegations that emerged during the election period.

In Seongnam, Mayor Shin Sang-jin faces accusations of broadcasting a campaign video that displayed his name in a public space before the official campaign period. He is also under investigation for allegedly misrepresenting city affairs during his 'Communication Live' sessions. Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun is accused of accepting bribes during his previous election campaign. He denies the allegations, stating they are baseless.

Yangpyeong County Chief Jeon Jin-seon is being investigated for abuse of power related to a controversial highway route change. Additionally, he faces new accusations of soliciting funds for his re-election campaign through recommendations for subcontracted public works projects. His office denies these claims, calling them baseless slander.

In Yongin, Mayor Lee Sang-il is under scrutiny for allegedly promoting his achievements using city funds and for falsely advertising a bus fare support ordinance as already enacted during the election. He maintains these were minor errors or that he was not involved.

Other officials, including Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho and Uiwang Mayor Kim Sung-je, are also facing investigations for alleged campaign finance violations and manipulating public opinion, respectively. The legal challenges cast a shadow over the local administration, with the statute of limitations for election-related offenses expiring in December, suggesting continued intense investigations.