Jeong Yi-han, a former candidate for mayor of Busan from the Reform Party, has been arrested after claiming he was attacked during his campaign, which has raised suspicions of a staged incident.
On July 8, the Busan District Court conducted a pre-arrest interrogation for Jeong, who faces charges of obstructing official duties and violating election laws, as well as for Yoon, who allegedly threw a beverage at him. The court issued an arrest warrant, citing concerns over potential evidence tampering and flight.
Police are investigating claims that Jeong conspired with Yoon, a gym owner he knew, to fabricate the beverage-throwing incident during his campaign in Geumjeong District on April 27.
Initially, Jeong's campaign reported that he suffered a concussion after trying to avoid the beverage, but police uncovered suspicious circumstances regarding communications before and after the incident, prompting a thorough investigation.
Jeong was hospitalized at On General Hospital in Busanjin District, over 30 minutes away from the incident site, despite a closer hospital being available, which fueled further speculation. On General Hospital is known to be operated by Jeong's father, Jeong Geun.
Born in 1988, Jeong is a political newcomer who previously served as a senior secretary to a member of the National Assembly and as an official in the Prime Minister's Office. He gained attention in Busan due to his family's ownership of major local hospitals and has been involved in various controversies, including wearing a neck brace during campaign events and bringing a lie detector to a debate.
Following the emergence of allegations regarding the staged attack, Jeong announced his resignation from the Reform Party and retirement from politics. However, additional accusations of academic misconduct from his high school days have surfaced, putting him in a precarious position.
With Jeong's arrest, police investigations are expected to expand. The Busan Police Agency is working to clarify the specific motives behind the alleged staging, as well as allegations of forced mobilization of employees from On Group, issues regarding the fairness of opinion polls, and potential violations of medical laws related to the issuance of false medical certificates.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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