Warrants Sought for Officials in Gyeongnam Election Interference Probe

An investigation into alleged "power-based electioneering" has led to pre-detention warrants being sought for four individuals, including current and former Gyeongnam provincial officials, who were involved in the election campaign of Governor Park Wan-soo. The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency's cyber investigation unit announced on June 24 that it had applied for the warrants on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.

The suspects include three fixed-term provincial officials who worked for Governor Park's campaign and one public relations firm employee. The three officials reportedly resigned their positions in late April to join the campaign. One of them was rehired as a fixed-term official after the election. Police stated that while the individuals had been investigated without detention, they decided to apply for pre-detention warrants due to concerns about evidence tampering and flight risk.

The case gained significant attention after an individual, identified only as 'A', who edited promotional videos for Park's campaign, confessed to engaging in illegal election activities. 'A' claimed to have received instructions and data from provincial officials to create campaign materials, including videos targeting rival candidate Kim Kyung-soo. These materials allegedly included sensitive personal information and criticisms of regional development plans.

Following 'A's confession and a press conference detailing the allegations, the Gyeongnam Election Commission requested an investigation into Park's campaign officials. Park's side also filed a complaint against 'A' for election law violations. The police conducted searches and seizures of provincial government offices and residences in early June as part of their investigation.