Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, accused of claims related to using government employees during the People Power Party's presidential nomination campaign last year, rejected these accusations when he appeared in court on the 12th.
The Incheon District Court's Criminal Department 15, presided over by Judge Kim Jeong-hoan, conducted a hearing at 10 a.m. that day against Mayor Yoo, who faced allegations under the Public Officials Election Act.
The initial court session for Mayor Yoo had been set for the 22nd of last month, yet he failed to show up, providing a written explanation for his absence. His legal representatives clarified the justification for his omission, saying, "Each moment counts since he is campaigning in the June 3 Incheon mayor race." Chief Judge Kim cautioned then, "Should Mayor Yoo fail to be present at the following hearing, we will issue an arrest warrant."
Mayor Yoo made his initial appearance in court for the trial related to allegations of breaching the Public Official Election Act. He responded to the chief judge's inquiries regarding his birthdate and residence, and identified himself as "Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City."
When asked by the presiding judge, "Have you changed your stance on the indictment compared to what was outlined during the preliminary hearings?" the legal representatives of Mayor Yoo responded, "No." Previously, at the second preliminary session in February, Mayor Yoo's side presented a declaration refuting the allegations, claiming he had no role in the broader indictment and that violating electoral laws did not amount to a criminal offense.
Following the completion of the identification questioning and additional formalities regarding Mayor Yoo, the court moved forward with examining the witnesses.
Mayor Yoo arrived at the courtroom wearing formal attire and took his place in the defendant’s section next to the six fellow accused individuals. He remained calm throughout the proceedings and concentrated on the monitor showing related evidence as witnesses were questioned.
The hearing for Mayor Yoo will resume later today, on the 26th, and again on the third day of next month. Following the morning proceedings, when questioned by journalists regarding his position on the primary allegations and the upcoming developments in the case, Mayor Yoo remarked, "I have nothing to add."
In April of last year, Mayor Yoo faced indictment without being detained, accused of rallying Incheon City government employees to support candidates during the People Power Party's presidential nomination contest. Additionally, six present and past city officials from Incheon were also sent for trial, charged with backing Mayor Yoo in an official role.
They are charged with uploading 116 promotional items linked to Mayor Yoo's presidential bid onto social media platforms and distributing 1.8 million voice messages featuring electoral phrases. Additionally, they are facing allegations of placing advertisement content in newspapers.