**Representative Heo Kyung-yong, Reasons for Inability to Run in the 2024 Presidential Election**
With the upcoming election on June 3rd, curiosity is growing regarding whether Heo Kyung-yong, the honorary representative of the National Revolution Party, will enter the presidential race, known for his unique promises and shocking statements during election seasons.
Having run for president three times previously, Representative Heo gained attention for his "absurd promises" and outlandish remarks; however, he is unable to run in this election.
This is due to Heo having lost his eligibility to run for office until 2034 after being found guilty of violating the Public Official Election Act by the Supreme Court last year.
According to legal sources, the Supreme Court’s first division (Chief Justice Seo Kyung-hwan) confirmed the original ruling on April 25, last year, sentencing Heo to two years in prison with a three-year probation.
During his campaign for the 20th presidential election in 2022, Heo claimed in a TV broadcast speech, "I am the adopted son of Lee Byung-chul, the chairman of Samsung Group, and I was a de facto advisor to former President Park Chung-hee," leading to his accusation for spreading false information by the National Election Commission.
At that time, Heo denied the allegations; however, both the first and second trial courts did not accept his claims, with the first trial court emphasizing, "It is necessary to exclude the defendant from the political arena," sternly criticizing Representative Heo. The Supreme Court's decision echoed this sentiment.
According to the Public Official Election Act, if a person is sentenced to probation for an electoral crime, their eligibility to run for office is stripped for ten years from the time the sentence is finalized. Therefore, Representative Heo cannot participate in elections until April 2034.
**The Political Journey and Absurd Promises of Heo Kyung-yong**
Heo Kyung-yong began his political career by participating in local elections in 1991 and has since run in several elections, including the 15th presidential election in 1997, the 17th National Assembly election in 2004, and the 17th presidential election in 2007.
Claiming that his IQ is 430 and that he can teleport and levitate, he sparked what was termed the "Heo Kyung-yong Syndrome" and earned the nickname "Heo Bon-jwa."
Among his outrageous promises, he made claims such as relocating the UN headquarters to Panmunjom.
While some of his welfare policies such as marriage allowances and senior citizen benefits were deemed unrealistic at the time, they were later re-evaluated as similar discussions emerged or policies were implemented in the political arena.
During the 17th presidential election, Heo also boasted, "If I become president, I will marry former Grand National Party leader Park Geun-hye and attended George W. Bush's inauguration dinner as South Korea's representative."
This statement led to his arrest for violating the Public Official Election Act, resulting in a confirmed sentence of one year and six months in prison in 2008.
After being barred from running for elections for ten years, Heo regained his eligibility in 2018 and subsequently challenged the 21st National Assembly election in 2020, the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election, the 20th presidential election in 2022, and the 22nd National Assembly election in 2024.
Recently, with the presidential campaign announcement of Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon from the Sarang Jeil Church, Heo Kyung-yong's name has surfaced again.
Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Seong-ho, in a broadcast interview, likened the former pastor to Heo, stating, "At one time, he brought a lot of laughter to the public," adding, "Doesn't it seem a bit ridiculous for South Korean politics to end up like this?"
Image sources: Heo Kyung-yong, honorary representative of the National Revolution Party / News1, Heo Kyung-yong, honorary representative of the National Revolution Party / Photos = Insight, Heo Kyung-yong, honorary representative of the National Revolution Party / YouTube 'Heo Kyung-yong TV'
