The Dobong-gu Election Commission said on the 27th that it filed a complaint against a sitting district council member on suspicion of making a donation to voters ahead of the June 3 local elections.
Council member A, an incumbent who plans to run in this local election, is suspected of providing a free performance to attending voters by inviting a singer to her legislative report meeting and having two congratulatory songs performed.
The commission judged this to constitute a donation to voters. The current Public Official Election Act prohibits local council members from making donations to voters in their constituencies or to those with personal ties there.
To prevent violations, the Dobong-gu Election Commission will strengthen guidance for prospective candidates and others on restrictions on donations, while strictly responding to any future violations.
The Dobong-gu Election Commission said, "People who receive money, goods, or food from candidates or politicians for whom donations are restricted may be subject to fines of at least 10 times and up to 50 times the value received (up to 30 million won). However, for those who turn themselves in, fines may be reduced or waived, and informants who report violations may receive a reward of up to 500 million won."