Seoul Mayor's trial verdict due today over poll cost allegations

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's political future hangs in the balance as a court is set to deliver its verdict today on charges of violating the Political Funds Act. The case centers on allegations that Oh received public opinion poll results from a figure identified as a 'political broker,' Myung Tae-gyun, and subsequently had a sponsor cover the 33 million won (approximately $25,000) in costs.

Prosecutors allege that Oh, along with his former deputy mayor Kang Cheol-won and sponsor Kim Han-jung, engaged in illegal donation and receipt of political funds. The core of the prosecution's argument is that Oh received the poll results through an agreement with Myung, thereby gaining a financial benefit by having Kim pay for them. This, they contend, constitutes an illegal receipt of political funds under Article 45 of the Political Funds Act.

However, Oh maintains his innocence, asserting that he never commissioned Myung for polls, nor did he directly receive the results. He also claims ignorance regarding Kim's payment of the costs. Kang has similarly denied commissioning Myung, while Kim testified that his payment was an attempt to curry favor with Myung, who allegedly had ties to former President Yoon Suk-yeol, rather than payment for poll expenses.

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We desperately need a poll that beats Na Kyung-won.

This defense directly contradicts Myung's claims that Oh commissioned him, stating, "We desperately need a poll that beats Na Kyung-won." Myung also alleged that Oh instructed him to "discuss with Cheol-won and proceed with the poll, and I will tell Chairman Kim Han-jung to continue supporting the costs."

The court's decision will hinge on whether it finds evidence of an agreement between Oh and Myung for the poll results and whether Oh directed Kim to cover the expenses. The Political Funds Act stipulates that a fine of 1 million won or more can result in the forfeiture of public office for current officials. The prosecution has sought a prison sentence of 1 year and 6 months with a 33 million won forfeiture for Oh, and 1 year imprisonment for Kang and Kim.

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Discuss with Cheol-won and proceed with the poll, and I will tell Chairman Kim Han-jung to continue supporting the costs.