Why is Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Indicted Over Opinion Poll Payments?
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Synopsis
In a major political development, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has been indicted for allegedly facilitating payments for opinion polls linked to a power broker ahead of the 2021 election. This case raises questions about political integrity and campaign finance in South Korea. Discover the unfolding details and implications of this significant indictment.
Key Takeaways
- Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon indicted for opinion poll payments.
- Charges include violation of the Political Funds Act.
- Former Deputy Mayor Kang Cheol-won also implicated.
- Allegations raise questions about political ethics in South Korea.
- Oh denies involvement in the alleged payments.
Seoul, Dec 1 (NationPress) A special counsel group in South Korea has formally charged Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on Monday for allegedly facilitating a longtime supporter to fund opinion polls conducted by a self-identified power broker in the lead-up to the 2021 mayoral election.
The investigating team led by special counsel Min Joong-ki, which is probing corruption claims involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee, announced that the mayor was indicted without physical custody for breaching the Political Funds Act.
According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, the investigation suggests that Oh instructed his supporter and businessman Kim Han-jung to pay 33 million won (equivalent to USD 22,400) to Myung Tae-kyun, the aforementioned power broker, for ten public opinion surveys conducted from January to February 2021.
This payment was allegedly divided into five parts paid between February and March of that year, prior to Oh's election in April.
Former Seoul Deputy Mayor Kang Cheol-won, who was then the chief of staff for Oh's campaign, is also implicated for supposedly exchanging questionnaires and discussing the surveys with Myung at Oh's behest.
Both Kang and Kim, the supporter, were charged alongside Oh on the same day.
Oh has refuted the allegations, asserting that he did not order the surveys nor received them from Myung, claiming that Kim's financial transaction was unrelated to him.
In contrast, Myung contends that he met with Oh on seven occasions and that the mayor solicited his assistance, expressing a need for a favorable opinion poll against his rival Na Kyung-won.
Meanwhile, Kim has stated that the payment was not linked to Oh's campaign and was merely intended to assist Myung, hoping to garner goodwill for Oh with Yoon Suk Yeol, who was elected president the following year.
Myung is recognized for his close connections with Yoon and his spouse, Kim Keon Hee.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the significance of this indictment in the realm of South Korean politics. The actions of influential figures like Mayor Oh Se-hoon raise critical questions about political finance and ethics. This case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency in governance, and we will continue to follow its developments closely.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Mayor Oh Se-hoon?
Mayor Oh Se-hoon has been indicted for violating the Political Funds Act by allegedly having a supporter pay for opinion polls conducted by a power broker during the 2021 election campaign.
Who else is involved in this case?
Alongside Mayor Oh, former Deputy Mayor Kang Cheol-won and supporter Kim Han-jung have also been indicted on similar charges related to the opinion polls.
What is the significance of this indictment?
This indictment highlights concerns over political ethics and financial transparency in South Korea, particularly regarding campaign financing.
How has Mayor Oh responded to the allegations?
Mayor Oh has denied all accusations, stating that he did not commission the surveys and that the payments made by Kim were unrelated to his campaign.
What does this mean for South Korean politics?
The indictment may have broader implications for political accountability and regulations surrounding campaign financing in South Korea.
