Concerns are mounting over a mudslinging campaign involving false information and fake news ahead of the Democratic Party of Korea's nomination for Yeongam County chief in South Jeolla Province, with the local election scheduled for June 3.
The Yeongam county chief race, drawing attention as a rematch between former and current officeholders, has seen consecutive polls showing former County Chief Jeon Dong-pyeong leading incumbent Woo Seung-hee. Claims have emerged that malicious activities are intensifying in response.
Jeon, who issued a strong warning against negative campaigning and smear tactics targeting him, announced on the 8th that he has filed additional complaints with the Yeongam County Election Commission. This follows his earlier lawsuit against three individuals for alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act and the Information and Communications Network Act for posting and spreading false information.
According to the complaint, false content about former County Chief Jeon was posted on the Democratic Party's registered member bulletin board and other platforms. The materials were then distributed to media outlets and spread through group KakaoTalk chat rooms.
Most notably, Jeon's side stated that on February 11, a group called the "Yeongam Democratic Primary Protection Alliance" held a press conference in front of the Democratic Party's South Jeolla Provincial Office, staging a picket protest while chanting slogans about "refusing to accept primary results" and "suspicions of instigated complaints."
"Through photo and video analysis, 19 additional individuals have been identified, bringing the total number of accused to 27," Jeon's camp said. "We will apply a zero-tolerance policy and pursue strong legal action against those who systematically create and spread false fake news during the county chief primary and election process. Anyone else identified as participating that day will also face legal consequences."
The camp added, "These illegal and malicious acts have influenced public opinion polls conducted by some media outlets, fueling confusion. Notably, some participants included heads of government-affiliated organizations, whose involvement is prohibited under election law, and they must be held accountable for election law violations."
Key allegations raised by former County Chief Jeon's side include: On January 29, individual A and others began spreading via KakaoTalk claims that were determined to be false eight years ago, including allegations of a child born out of wedlock. On February 3, individual B and others distributed messages via text and KakaoTalk falsely claiming Jeon had been excluded from the Democratic Party's qualification review. On February 11, dozens gathered in front of the Democratic Party's South Jeolla Provincial Office with banners and pickets to spread false information and fake news.
Former County Chief Jeon maintained his stance that he will not back down from taking strong action against such behavior, stating it is necessary for the sake of Yeongam County residents.
"The 'dual voting instruction' allegations against current County Chief Woo Seung-hee, which were raised in a past local election, have already been adjudicated and resulted in a guilty verdict with a 900,000 won fine, yet they are being distorted and spread again," he said. "As fair elections are being undermined by false information, thorough investigation and strict punishment are necessary."