Jung Seung-yeon, Chairman of the People Power Party Incheon Yeonsu Gap, Investigated for Allegations of Election Law Violation Regarding Flower Wreath Provision

It has been confirmed that Jung Seung-yeon, Chairman of the People Power Party Incheon Yeonsu Gap, is under investigation by the Election Commission for allegedly engaging in donation activities targeting local residents.

Chairman Jung is being investigated by the Incheon City Election Commission for allegedly providing a flower wreath at the wedding of a local resident, Mr. K, in April last year while serving as the Second Secretary for Political Affairs at the Presidential Office.

Mr. K, who received the flower wreath, is known to have served as the chairman of the residents' committee in the Incheon Yeonsu Gap electoral district and has been active in local self-organised groups.

The Public Official Election Act defines the act of providing financial or material benefits to individuals within the electoral district or those with connections to them by members of the National Assembly, local council members, heads of local governments, representatives of political parties, candidates, or those intending to become candidates, as a donation activity, which is generally prohibited. Donation activities include the provision of congratulatory or condolence money and flower wreaths.

An official from the Incheon City Election Commission stated, "If financial benefits are provided to individuals within the electoral district or those with connections to the constituents, it is considered a donation activity," adding, "If the person who received the flower wreath falls into this category, it could be considered a donation activity."

He further explained, "Even if he was serving as a secretary at the Presidential Office at the time, it could be viewed as a donation activity depending on whether he is considered a candidate," and noted, "We are currently in the stage of investigating the facts."

Chairman Jung has stated that he does not believe this constitutes a donation activity. He said, "It is true that I sent the flower wreath, but I had no party affiliation while working at the Presidential Office at that time," adding, "I sent it in my personal capacity for a friend's child's wedding."

He also mentioned, "At that time, it was uncertain whether I would run for office or return as chairman of the party committee," and added, "I believe it was a personal congratulatory act, so it is not a donation activity."

The Election Commission is expected to determine whether there has been a violation of the Public Official Election Act based on the results of the investigation.