Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon will begin his appeal trial on Aug. 21 regarding alleged violations of election law involving poll-money contributions [1].
The outcome of the trial is critical because a fine of 1 million won or more can trigger the loss of his mayoral office [2].
Prosecutors allege that Oh received poll-money contributions, known as the Myung Tae-kyun poll-money case, in violation of election law [1]. In the first-instance trial, the court found the mayor guilty on five of 10 alleged instances [1]. That initial sentencing, which occurred on July 22 [1], resulted in a 10 million won fine [1].
Legal representatives for Oh have challenged the initial verdict. A representative for Oh said, "Guilty despite no direct evidence" [1].
The upcoming proceedings in Seoul will determine if the first-instance court's ruling stands or if the fine will be reduced below the threshold that mandates removal from public office [2]. The case centers on the legality of the funding used for polling activities during the election cycle [1].
Because the first-instance fine of 10 million won [1] significantly exceeds the 1 million won threshold [2], the appeal is the primary mechanism for Oh to maintain his position as mayor of the capital city.
“"Guilty despite no direct evidence"”
This trial represents a high-stakes legal battle for the leadership of Seoul. Since South Korean election law strictly regulates campaign spending and polling contributions, the court's decision on the 'Myung Tae-kyun' allegations will either validate the mayor's conduct or create a power vacuum in the capital by stripping him of his mandate.
