Politics · South Korea · 2 hrs ago
Man fined for false claims about Muju County head before election
A South Korean court fined a 69-year-old man 3 million won for spreading false claims about Muju County head Hwang In-hong.
Before the local election, he shared a post accusing Hwang of asking for 300 million won to develop his land and making other false claims.
The post was intended to hurt Hwang’s re-election chances, the court found.
The man had earlier asked Hwang to arrange development of his land, but Hwang refused.
The court said the false claims could confuse voters and harm the fairness of elections.
Hwang won a third term, and the court said the man’s actions did not decisively affect the result.
A 69-year-old man was fined 3 million won for spreading false claims about Muju County head Hwang In-hong before a local election.
The Jeonju District Court said the posts could confuse voters and harm the fairness of the election.
The man shared a post titled “Suicide note” with acquaintances on social media on January 12.
The court said he acted out of resentment after Hwang rejected his request to develop land he owned.
Hwang won a third term, and the court said the man’s actions did not decisively affect the election result.
- Who
- A 69-year-old man identified as A. The claims concerned Muju County head Hwang In-hong.
- What
- He was fined 3 million won for election law violations and defamation after spreading false claims about Hwang.
- When
- The post was shared on January 12, before the local election. The court announced the sentence on October 18.
- Where
- Muju County, North Jeolla Province, South Korea; the case was heard at Jeonju District Court.
- Why
- He acted out of resentment after Hwang rejected his request to have his land acquired and developed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A wrote a post titled “Suicide note” criticizing Hwang and shared it with acquaintances on social media.
Hwang won a third term as Muju County head.
Jeonju District Court announced a 3 million won fine for A.
- Fine
- 3 million won
- Defendant
- A, 69
- Post date
- January 12
- Election result
- Hwang In-hong won a third term as Muju County head
- Court
- Jeonju District Court, Criminal Division 11
What people are saying
The defendant’s conduct could confuse voters’ proper decision-making and undermine the fairness of elections, which form the foundation of democracy, and is a serious crime.