Once again in court, '17-time offender' Song Jin-ho

Song Jin-ho, who ran as an independent candidate in the last 21st presidential election, has once again faced the judgment of the law.

Having garnered attention for his past as a '17-time offender' while running as candidate number 8, Song has now been arrested on charges of fraud.

According to police on the 22nd, the Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Song on the 20th. The court stated the reason for his detention as concerns over flight and destruction of evidence. It is an unusual situation for a former presidential candidate to be arrested again on criminal charges.

Since 2020, Song has been soliciting investors with plans to build 'Miracle City' in Cambodia. He has promoted the creation of industrial complexes and a multi-themed park, along with plans for a smart city that would commercialize cryptocurrency.

In particular, he lured investors by claiming that listing 'Miracle Coin' would yield a 200-fold return. However, these extravagant promises have not materialized even after five years.

The listing of 'Miracle Coin' has not occurred, and it is reported that the hundreds of millions of won entrusted by investors were embezzled by Song.

The Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has been investigating signs of fraud, including the misappropriation of investment funds.

The candidate with the most criminal records among presidential hopefuls

During the 21st presidential election, Song Jin-ho drew attention as the candidate with the highest number of criminal records among all presidential candidates in history.

According to information released by the National Election Commission, Song has been punished a total of 17 times for crimes including fraud, violence and injury, property damage, violation of the Labor Standards Act, and violation of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

It has been confirmed that he received prison sentences on 8 occasions.

Despite such a colorful criminal record, he was able to run for president because the election law in the Republic of Korea minimizes constraints on eligibility for candidacy.

Under the Public Official Election Act, except for certain crimes, individuals can run for office after a certain period has passed following a definitive sentence.

Image source: News1, YouTube 'Song Jin-ho TV', KBS