Police Summon and Investigate Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok on Suspicion of Election Law Violations

Yoo Jeong-bok, Mayor of Incheon [Yonhap News Archive Photo]

Police have summoned and investigated Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok on suspicion of illegal election campaigning during his time as a presidential primary candidate for the People Power Party.

According to police on the 29th, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Investigation Unit of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency summoned Mayor Yoo on the 27th for questioning regarding alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act and abuse of power.

It is reported that during the questioning, police confirmed whether Mayor Yoo admitted to the charges.

Police booked Mayor Yoo as a defendant after receiving a complaint from the Incheon Election Commission and other entities in May.

Subsequently, on the 9th, during a search and seizure operation at various offices within the Incheon City Hall, including the Mayor's Secretariat, Senior Political Advisor's Office, Senior Public Relations Officer's Office, Public Relations Planning Office, and Video Editing Room, Mayor Yoo was also included as a suspect in the seizure and search.

The total number of individuals involved in the search and seizure operation on that day, including Mayor Yoo, was 12, comprising Incheon city officials and others.

It is reported that in relation to this case, police have booked a total of 17 individuals, including these 12, and are currently investigating.

Current and former Incheon city officials are suspected of supporting Yoo, who was a People Power Party primary candidate, by accompanying him or organizing events while maintaining their public official status in April.

The Public Official Election Act prohibits national and local public officials from engaging in election campaigning during party primaries.

Police are also investigating allegations of abuse of power related to a citizen group's complaint that Mayor Yoo mobilized public officials for the promotion of the People Power Party's Council of Governors and Mayors, a position he held as chairman last year.

A police official stated, "We summoned Mayor Yoo and conducted the necessary investigations," adding, "We cannot disclose specific details regarding additional individuals to be investigated." Yonhap News