Yangyang County Mayor Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Bribery and Inappropriate Relationship

Kim Jin-ha, the mayor of Yangyang County in Gangwon Province, was sentenced to two years in prison by the court for charges of an inappropriate relationship with a female complainant and receiving bribes.

Two-year prison sentence

On the morning of the 26th, the Chuncheon District Court, Sokcho branch, sentenced Mayor Kim to two years in prison and a fine of 10 million won for violations of the Improper Solicitation Act, bribery, and sexual assault.

The court also ordered the confiscation of a massage chair received from the female complainant and the recovery of 5 million won.

The court ruled that "the defendant, as the head of a local government, received cash and a high-priced massage chair from a complainant and had sexual relations three times in exchange for sexual favors."

However, the court did not acknowledge 1.5 million won out of the 20 million won cash bribe that the prosecution alleged, and it did not recognize the charge of sexual assault, partially accepting the arguments of Mayor Kim's side.

Severe Punishment for Violation of Public Officials' Integrity Obligations

The court harshly criticized, "Despite having the significant duty to oversee the county's administration and supervise public officials, the defendant received bribes and high-priced items for personal gain."

It also pointed out that "this not only violated the integrity of the mayor but also led to severe distrust regarding the impartiality and transparency of all public officials in Yangyang County."

Regarding the sentencing rationale, the court explained, "It seems that the disappointment of the Yangyang residents is considerable. However, the defendant has consistently provided incomprehensible excuses without reflecting on his wrongdoing."

Mayor Kim was accused of receiving cash, a massage chair, and sexual favors from a female complainant, and in December 2023, he faced additional charges for inappropriate behavior at a local cafe.

The prosecution had sought a six-year prison sentence and a fine of 40 million won for Mayor Kim.

Court Rulings on Related Individuals

The female complainant who was also tried alongside him received a sentence of one year and six months in prison and was ordered to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program for charges of bribery and threats involving recorded materials under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act.

Additionally, Park Bong-kyun, a Yangyang County councilor who was charged with threatening Mayor Kim using CCTV footage of the two having sexual relations in collusion with the complainant, received a sentence of one year in prison suspended for three years and was ordered to attend 40 hours of sexual violence treatment lectures.

At the time of the ruling, Mayor Kim and Councilor Park were dressed in suits, while the female complainant received the verdict in prison attire.

Park, who was tried without detention, expressed dissatisfaction immediately after the ruling, stating, "Although the prosecution sought a six-year sentence, I cannot understand why Mayor Kim received only two years."

He added, "I only urged Mayor Kim for an amicable resolution upon learning of the existence of CCTV; I never threatened him," and indicated his intention to appeal.

Mayor Kim is also expected to appeal, and elected officials lose their positions if they receive a prison sentence of one year or more.

However, under the Public Election Act, the provision stating that "no by-elections need to be held if less than a year remains until the term expires" suggests that even if Mayor Kim or Councilor Park lose their positions, a by-election is not expected to take place.

Image Source: Kim Jin-ha, Mayor of Yangyang, KBS, News1