South Korean Police Investigate 'Gangster Link' Allegations Against Former Presidential Candidate

Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean police have initiated an investigation into allegations of false accusation concerning Park Chul-min, a figure at the center of a controversy linking presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung to organized crime during the 20th presidential election. This move follows a definitive Supreme Court ruling that found lawyer Jang Young-ha, who had amplified Park's claims, guilty of disseminating false information.

The original allegations surfaced in 2021, prior to the election, when Park Chul-min accused Lee Jae-myung, then the governor of Gyeonggi Province, of having close ties with Lee Jun-seok, a former executive of Komatrade, an organization with alleged ties to the Seongnam International Mafia. Park had filed a complaint with the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, which subsequently transferred the case to the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency. After an investigation, the police concluded that Park's claims were unsubstantiated.

The current investigation into Park's alleged false accusation is gaining momentum now that Jang Young-ha's conviction for spreading false information has been finalized by the Supreme Court. Jang, who served as Park's legal representative, had held press conferences in October 2021, asserting that Lee Jae-myung, during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam, received billions of won in exchange for business favors to the International Mafia. Jang was subsequently prosecuted and received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for violating the Public Official Election Act.

Reacting to the finalization of Jang's conviction, Lee Jae-myung expressed his frustration, stating, "There are still many people who consider me a gangster associate. Therefore, the media that report without fact-checking, the media that intentionally manipulate and distort reports, and the irresponsible media that simply relay baseless false claims are more dangerous than weapons." This sentiment highlights the deep impact such allegations can have on public perception and the political landscape, underscoring the importance of accurate reporting and the legal consequences for those who spread misinformation. From a South Korean perspective, the rigorous legal process and the police's subsequent investigation into the accuser demonstrate a commitment to upholding truth and accountability in political discourse.

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There are still many people who consider me a gangster associate. Therefore, the media that report without fact-checking, the media that intentionally manipulate and distort reports, and the irresponsible media that simply relay baseless false claims are more dangerous than weapons.