Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
Police decline to refer Incheon mayor over ancestry claim
Police in Incheon have decided not to refer Mayor Park Chan-dae for prosecution over an election-related allegation.
Before South Korea's June 3 local elections, Park was accused of falsely claiming descent from independence activist Lee Sang-ryong.
A direct descendant of independence activist Park Jin-hae filed a complaint on May 29, saying Park's family connection to Lee was distant and describing it as a 22nd-degree relationship.
Police said they found no intent to spread false information to win the election.
Park's side denied the allegation and cited an interview in which a descendant of Lee said Park's maternal family had helped his family during a difficult period.
The police decision means the case will not be sent to prosecutors.
Police in Incheon decided not to refer Mayor Park Chan-dae for prosecution over an allegation that he falsely claimed ancestry from an independence activist.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency said it found no evidence that Park intentionally spread false information to win election.
Park had faced a complaint alleging he falsely claimed to be a descendant of activist Seokju Lee Sang-ryong.
The complaint was filed on May 29 by Park Ki-hyeon, a fifth-generation direct descendant of independence activist Park Jin-hae.
Park’s side denied the allegation and cited a relative of Lee Sang-ryong who said Park’s maternal family had helped his family.
- Who
- Incheon Mayor Park Chan-dae was the subject of the complaint. Police decided not to refer him for prosecution.
- What
- Police found no evidence that he intentionally spread false information about being a descendant of independence activist Lee Sang-ryong.
- When
- The police decision was reported on October 23, 2026. The complaint was filed on May 29.
- Where
- Incheon, South Korea.
- Why
- A complainant alleged Park falsely claimed to be a descendant of Lee Sang-ryong, potentially damaging the honor of genuine descendants.
Park Ki-hyeon, the complainant
Park Chan-dae’s side
Ancestry claim
Park Ki-hyeon, the complainant
Park was said to be related to Lee Sang-ryong at the 22nd degree, so describing himself as an independence activist’s descendant could harm the honor of genuine descendants.
Park Chan-dae’s side
Park’s side denied the allegation and cited Lee Sang-ryong’s direct great-grandson, who said Park’s maternal family had helped his family.
Intent
Park Ki-hyeon, the complainant
The complaint alleged Park had spread false information ahead of the local election.
Park Chan-dae’s side
Police concluded Park had not intentionally spread false information to win election.
Park Ki-hyeon filed a complaint alleging Park Chan-dae falsely claimed to be a descendant of Lee Sang-ryong.
Incheon police decided not to refer Park for prosecution, finding no evidence that he intentionally spread false information.
Yonhap reported the police decision.
- Mayor
- Park Chan-dae
- Police agency
- Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency
- Complainant
- Park Ki-hyeon, fifth-generation direct descendant of Park Jin-hae
- Complaint date
- May 29
- Alleged ancestor
- Seokju Lee Sang-ryong
- Police outcome
- No referral for prosecution, citing no evidence of intent
1 source
What people are saying
Park is related to Lee Sang-ryong at the 22nd degree, and saying he is a descendant of an independence activist could damage the honor of genuine descendants.
(Park’s maternal family) helped us in every way when we were in our greatest difficulty, and I do not understand why this is becoming a subject of debate when ours is not a relationship that can be explained by degrees of kinship.