Investigation of Buan Governor Kwon Ik-hyun

Buan County Governor Kwon Ik-hyun has faced multiple police investigations regarding alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act. In September, police declined to transfer charges against Kwon concerning remarks made during a TV debate for the June 3 local elections. Kwon had claimed an opposing candidate held approximately 10 billion won in debt, whereas the actual figure was reported to be around 120 million won. Investigators concluded it was difficult to prove an intent to spread false information, suggesting the discrepancy may have been a “slip of the tongue” caused by nervousness.

In October, controversy continued as the civic group Buan Plaza 2.0 criticized police for not pursuing charges against Kwon related to a press release during a Democratic Party primary. The release falsely claimed National Assembly member Lee Won-taek supported Kwon’s third term. While police referred Kwon’s campaign manager to the prosecution, they did not pursue charges against Kwon himself, accepting his claim that he was not briefed on the release. The civic group challenged this, arguing that Kwon subsequently posted the same false information on his personal Facebook page for one week.