Court finds Oh Se-hoon guilty of violating the Political Funds Act... partially recognizes the credibility of Myung Tae-kyun's testimony

The court found Mayor Oh Sehoon of Seoul guilty of violating the Political Funds Act and sentenced him to a fine of 10 million won. The bench ruled that, ahead of the April 7, 2021 byelections, Mayor Oh had polls conducted through Mr. Myung Taekyun, and that someone else paid the costs on his behalf. The Criminal Division 22 of the Seoul Central District Court considered Mr. Myung's testimony, remittance records from businessman Kim Hanjeong, a supporter, and evidence of contact between people on Mayor Oh's side and Mr. Myung, and recognized some of the charges. However, it did not accept all of Mr. Myung's testimony as true and pointed out that some expressions were exaggerated. The bench determined that, of the 10 opinion polls conducted by the Institute for Future Korea, 5 were carried out at Mayor Oh's request, and that the 21 million won cost was paid in advance by Mr. Kim. It also explained that even a poll intended for public release would count as political spending if it had the political purpose of gauging support. Regarding the remaining five polls and the additional 12 million won paid, it said it was difficult to conclude that there was a request from Mayor Oh or a quid pro quo relationship.