South Korean man investigated for removing 20 polling station banners, claims they were illegal

A 60-year-old man is facing police investigation in Uijeongbu, South Korea, for removing 20 large banners that guided voters to polling stations. The man, identified only as Mr. K, is being investigated for charges including property damage, theft, and violating the Public Official Election Act.

According to police, Mr. K allegedly removed the 5-meter-long banners from various locations near polling stations between May 30 and June 2. During questioning, Mr. K reportedly stated that he believed the banners were illegal after the early voting period had ended and that he had collected them. Police confirmed that he did take some banners to a local community center and are investigating whether he received any reward money, as he had reportedly been doing this for some time.

“

He believed they were illegal banners after the early voting period had ended and that he had collected them.

This incident follows a separate case where a 60-year-old man with U.S. citizenship was arrested on June 2 for damaging two early voting guidance banners near the Singok 2-dong community center. He allegedly pulled the banners, causing their securing cords to come loose.

The Public Official Election Act prohibits the destruction or removal of election-related posters and banners without a legitimate reason.

“

Mr. K did take some banners to a local community center and are investigating whether he received any reward money, as he had reportedly been doing this for some time.