On February 10, 2026, the Kimcheon branch of the Daegu District Court, led by Chief Judge Han Dong-seok, delivered verdicts in a high-profile election law case. The court fined Lee Chang-jae, former deputy mayor of Kimcheon, 5 million KRW (approximately 3,750 USD), and Kim Eung-kyu, former chairman of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council, 3 million KRW (approximately 2,250 USD). Both were charged with violating the Public Official Election Act in relation to the upcoming April 2, 2025, Kimcheon mayoral by-election.
Lee Chang-jae faced charges of spreading misinformation during his March 2025 mayoral campaign announcement. He falsely claimed that his rival, Bae Nak-ho, had approved the construction of a controversial solid waste (SRF) plant while serving as Kimcheon City Council chairman in 2017. Prosecutors had sought a one-year prison term for Lee in last month’s final hearing.
Kim Eung-kyu was accused of election interference during the People Power Party’s mayoral primary. He allegedly instructed supporters in a social media group chat to misrepresent their party membership status. Prosecutors also recommended a one-year prison sentence for Kim in the previous month’s hearing.
The Public Official Election Act stipulates that individuals receiving fines of 1 million KRW (750 USD) or more are barred from running for office for five years. This ruling has sparked intense public interest in whether these two prominent candidates will be eligible to participate in the upcoming June 3 local elections. For more information, contact reporter Ahn Hee-yong at ahyon@idaegu.com.
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