▲ Former Reform Party Busan Mayoral Candidate Jeong Yi-han being attacked
Police investigating the alleged "staged" beverage attack on Jeong Yi-han, who ran as the Reform Party's Busan mayoral candidate during the June 3 local elections, are focusing on the relationship between Jeong and the 30-year-old man, identified as A, who threw the drink.
The Busan Geumjeong Police Station announced today (June 18) that they have booked both Jeong and A on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and obstruction of justice by deception.
It has been confirmed that A is a gym trainer in Busan and was personally acquainted with Jeong.
Police also reportedly confirmed that there was a phone call between Jeong and A prior to the beverage-throwing incident.
Investigators are focusing on the nature of their relationship, whether they conspired in advance, and if any financial transactions took place.
A police official stated, "As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot disclose specific details in accordance with the National Office of Investigation's guidelines regarding the disclosure of suspected criminal facts."
At the time of the incident, Jeong was reportedly diagnosed with a concussion and muscle contusions at a hospital in Busan operated by his father.
In connection with this, it has been confirmed that a complaint was recently filed with the police requesting an investigation into whether Jeong violated the Medical Service Act during the process of obtaining his medical certificate.
Regarding the complaint, a police official stated, "We plan to proceed with the investigation."
Given that the statute of limitations for election-related offenses is six months, the police intend to conclude the investigation quickly.
"We plan to wrap up the investigation and forward the case to the prosecution as soon as possible," a police official said. "We do not believe this is a matter that requires a long-term investigation."
Jeong has already withdrawn from the Reform Party via an online system and announced his retirement from politics via social media immediately after the election.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.