Special Prosecutor Clears Jeonbuk Governor Kim Kwan-young of Aiding Rebellion Charges

In a significant development just ahead of the local elections, the special prosecutor's office has officially cleared Jeonbuk Governor Kim Kwan-young of charges related to aiding a rebellion. The investigation centered on allegations that Governor Kim had closed the Jeonbuk Provincial Government Office during the 12.3 emergency martial law period, an act that critics claimed amounted to complicity in the martial law regime. This decision, the first issued by the special prosecutor's office since its establishment 72 days ago, comes as a major relief to Governor Kim, who is currently campaigning as an independent candidate for the Jeonbuk gubernatorial race.

The accusations were initially brought forth by the Jeonbuk branch of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and further amplified by Lee Won-taek, a former Democratic Party lawmaker and candidate for the Jeonbuk governorship. They alleged that Kim's actions constituted aiding a rebellion by obstructing access to government facilities. However, Governor Kim has consistently denied these allegations, asserting during his investigation that he had not cooperated with the martial law declaration. In a press conference held earlier this month, he even declared his intention to retire from politics if indicted on these charges.

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I have never cooperated with the martial law.

This ruling is particularly timely for Governor Kim, as it arrives just half a day after he officially announced his independent candidacy for the Jeonbuk governor election. The special prosecutor's office, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, has been tasked with investigating the remaining cases from three major special investigations, including those concerning rebellion, the First Lady's alleged involvement in stock manipulation, and the alleged cover-up of the 'Chae Sang-byeong incident.' The office also recently placed former Justice Minister and People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon under a travel ban in connection with an alleged investigation interference case involving the presidential office during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Han is also running as an independent candidate in the upcoming by-election for the Buk District of Busan.

From a local perspective in Jeonbuk, this exoneration is crucial for Governor Kim's political future and the stability of the provincial administration. The timing of the ruling, so close to the election, suggests a potential political dimension to the investigation, which opposition parties had heavily criticized. The special prosecutor's office's swift action in issuing this 'first ruling' may be seen as an attempt to expedite the conclusion of sensitive cases, though its broader implications for the ongoing investigations remain to be seen. The focus now shifts back to the election campaign, with Governor Kim seeking to leverage this clearance to solidify his support base.

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If the special prosecutor indicts me for aiding a rebellion, I will retire from politics.