Ex-People Power Party Leader Jang Ye-chan Faces Fine, Election Ban Over False Credentials 🏛️

Former People Power Party youth leader Jang Ye-chan has been fined ₩1.5 million (approximately $1,100 USD) in the first trial for violating the Public Official Election Act during last year’s general election. This could lead to a five-year ban from running for office if the fine is upheld! 😱

The Charges 📜

Jang was charged with falsely stating his academic background and distorting public opinion polls. Here’s the breakdown:

• False Academic Credentials: He claimed to have attended ‘Maastricht National Conservatory of Music’ but actually attended ‘Zuyd University of Applied Sciences’ music department. The court found this misleading. 🎓
• Distorting Opinion Polls: Jang allegedly misrepresented poll results by highlighting the ‘likelihood of winning’ among his supporters, falsely claiming he was leading. 📊

The Court’s Decision ⚖️

The Busan District Court found Jang guilty, stating that his academic claim could mislead voters and that the poll information was presented in a way that wasn’t easily understood by the public. Even though he indicated it was a poll of ‘supporters’, it wasn’t obvious enough!

What’s Next? 🤔

Jang has appealed the decision. If the fine is confirmed, he will be barred from running for public office for five years. This is a big deal in South Korean politics! 😮

피선거권 (piseongeogwon): This refers to the ‘right to be elected’ in South Korea. Losing this right can seriously impact a politician’s career.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story! 📰