Police investigate former Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jeong's suspicions of 'violation of political neutrality'

(Gwangju = Yonhap News) Reporter Jeong Hoe-seong = The police are investigating allegations of 'violation of political neutrality' by Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jeong's aides at the time, which arose in the final stages of the 8th popular election.

On the 1st, the Gwangju Police Agency's anti-corruption and economic crime investigation unit booked and is investigating two current and former government officials of Jeollanam-do Gwangju Unified Special City, including Mr. A, on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.

Mr. A and others are accused of repeatedly promoting former Mayor Kang's various accomplishments through social networking (SNS) posts from September last year to early this year, when they worked in the Gwangju City Spokesperson's Office and the Secretary's Office, respectively.

Former Mayor Kang, who they assisted at the time, was selected as a candidate for the first integrated special mayor running for re-election.

This case was investigated by the Gwangju City Election Commission in November of last year and was concluded with no charges, but the police began an investigation through a separate case registration process.

Under the Public Official Election Act, public officials cannot promote a candidate's achievements to residents of their constituency under any pretext. Violation of this may result in imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 6 million won.