Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon filed an appeal Wednesday against a 10 million won [1] fine regarding alleged poll-buying activities.
The legal challenge is critical because a upheld conviction for violating the Political Funds Act could lead to the loss of Oh's mayoral election [1].
Oh was convicted by the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 22 for his role in a scheme involving political broker Myung Tae-kyun. The court found that Oh violated the Political Funds Act by having poll costs paid by Myung and subsequently reimbursing supporters [1, 2].
In addition to the 10 million won [1] fine, the court ordered the confiscation of 20.2 million won [1]. The appeal, filed July 22, seeks to overturn these first-instance rulings.
Legal representatives for Myung have indicated that the mayor continues to contest the charges. Nam Sang-kwon, a lawyer for Myung, said Mayor Oh is still denying the criminal facts [2].
The case centers on the reimbursement of costs associated with public opinion polling, a practice strictly regulated under South Korean campaign finance laws to prevent the distortion of electoral outcomes. The court's initial ruling suggests a breach of these regulations through the use of an intermediary broker.
“Mayor Oh faces potential loss of office if a 10 million won fine for violating the Political Funds Act is upheld.”
This legal battle represents a significant risk to the stability of Seoul's municipal leadership. Under South Korean law, certain thresholds of fines or prison sentences for campaign finance violations trigger an automatic nullification of an election victory. If the appellate court upholds the first-instance ruling, Oh Se-hoon could be legally removed from office, necessitating a new mayoral election.
