Jincheon Mayor Kim Myung-sik questioned over election law violation allegations

Jincheon police have summoned Jincheon County Mayor Kim Myung-sik for questioning as a suspect in an alleged violation of election laws. The investigation centers on accusations that Kim engaged in illegal donation activities, including providing scholarships, in the lead-up to the June 3 local elections.

The probe was initiated following a complaint filed in April by an individual identified as A, who accused Kim of violating the Public Official Election Act. According to the complaint, Kim allegedly donated approximately 15 million won in scholarships to five elementary and middle schools in Deoksan-myeon in December of the previous year, about six months before the elections. The complaint also reportedly included claims that Kim had provided development funds amounting to millions of won to local elderly and youth associations, as well as a neighborhood watch group.

During the questioning, police reportedly focused on whether Kim had indeed provided the scholarships and funds, the actual source and method of these donations, and the decision-making process behind them. Authorities also sought to clarify the circumstances under which Kim, then a preliminary candidate, posted a list of Democratic Party members on a group social media account in April. The list, which contained names, party membership status, phone numbers, and regions of about 1,700 individuals, was reportedly obtained from an acquaintance.

Kim Myung-sik has denied all allegations made by the complainant. He stated that he faithfully answered the police's questions as a suspect and asserted that the accusations are one-sided. Regarding the scholarships, Kim explained they were provided under the name of the Deoksan-myeon Business Association, in accordance with its articles of association and general meeting resolutions, continuing a scholarship program that has been in place for over a decade. He clarified that the actual donating companies provided the funds directly to the schools' accounts. He also explained the development funds were disbursed in the association's name for its founding purposes over several years. Concerning the party member list, Kim claimed it was not an official roster but a leak of some supporters' information, which was resolved by the Democratic Party with a simple verbal warning after he provided an explanation during the election period.