Ahead of the Democratic Party of Korea's primary for the Muan county chief race in the June 3 local elections in South Jeolla Province, concerns are growing over a murky campaign marked by the spread of false information targeting incumbent County Chief Kim San, fake news, and street rallies that appear to potentially violate the Public Official Election Act.
Kim's supporters have now taken legal action, claiming that malicious falsehoods are being deliberately circulated.
According to a complaint filed with Muan police on Saturday, Kim's supporters pressed charges against two individuals, identified as A and B, on suspicion of violating the Public Official Election Act and the Information and Communications Network Act.
The complaint states that A displayed a banner under the name "National Sovereignty Reform Solidarity" and held a rally on the same day. During the rally, A unilaterally raised allegations of administrative irregularities and preferential treatment in the Muan aviation-specialized industrial complex and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) business projects, while demanding condemnation and resignation of both County Chief Kim and National Assembly member Seo Sam-seok. The complaint stated that legal accountability is unavoidable for such actions.
The complaint also alleged that B indiscriminately spread unverified "fake news" about County Chief Kim through local media outlets in Muan, misleading voters in what constitutes a clear violation of the Public Official Election Act.
"At such a sensitive time ahead of the Democratic Party primary, we could no longer tolerate actions that could influence the election," Kim's supporters said in a phone interview with the Seoul Economic Daily on Saturday. "We plan to hold those responsible strictly accountable under a zero-tolerance policy for negative campaigning that crosses the line."
They also hinted at additional complaints, emphasizing that "thorough investigation and stern punishment are necessary, as fair elections are being undermined by false information."