Pastor Son Hyun-bo [Photo=Yonhap News]Pastor Son Hyun-bo, the senior pastor of Segero Church in Busan, who was arrested by the prosecution for alleged illegal election campaigning ahead of last year's presidential election and the re-election for Busan Superintendent of Education, has been released.

The Busan District Court's Criminal Department 6 (Presiding Judge Kim Yong-gyun) handed down a suspended sentence of one year in prison for six months during the sentencing hearing on the morning of the 30th, for violations of the Local Education Autonomy Act and the Public Official Election Act.

With this ruling, Pastor Son was immediately released.

The court ruled, "Intent to influence the election is recognized."

In response, Pastor Son's side is reportedly planning to appeal immediately and fight for innocence until the end.

Editorial Department, Hanmi Ilbo