Local media representatives in Yeoncheon County accused of offering support for candidate withdrawal

In Yeoncheon County, South Korea, representatives of local media outlets face accusations of violating election laws. They are alleged to have proposed offering financial benefits to Song Byeong-seo, an independent candidate who withdrew from the upcoming local mayoral election, in return for his public endorsement of Kim Deok-hyeon, a candidate from the People Power Party.

The accusations surfaced following an investigation by the Hankyoreh newspaper and a complaint filed with the election commission. It is reported that individuals, including a local media representative identified as 'Mr. A,' approached Song in March, during the People Power Party's internal primaries. Song had initially considered running as an independent after his chances for the People Power Party nomination diminished. The discussions reportedly included assistance with drafting Song's resignation statement and arranging for its publication in local media.

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The candidate's withdrawal solicitation allegations are a grave election crime that tramples on democracy.

The Yeoncheon County Election Commission has filed a complaint with the prosecution against two individuals, including 'Mr. A,' on charges of bribery and inducement related to candidates, as stipulated by the Public Official Election Act. The commission believes these individuals offered or expressed intent to provide financial benefits to Song to persuade him not to run or to withdraw his candidacy. The law penalizes such actions, even if no actual exchange of benefits occurs, as long as the intent to provide them is expressed.

The Democratic Party's Gyeonggi Provincial Chapter has also issued a statement demanding a swift investigation, labeling the alleged attempts to influence candidate withdrawals as a "grave election crime that tramples on democracy." They urged a thorough examination to uncover the masterminds behind the scheme and called for clarification on Kim Deok-hyeon's potential involvement or awareness, given he is considered the primary beneficiary. A representative for Kim Deok-hyeon's campaign has denied any involvement or knowledge of the allegations, stating they are baseless and that they will await the investigation's outcome.

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Kim [Deok-hyeon] has absolutely no involvement in this matter, and the allegations are completely baseless.