The recall vote for Kim Jin-ha, the mayor of Yangyang County in Gangwon Province, who was arrested and indicted on charges including sexual assault, has failed due to insufficient voter turnout, allowing him to retain his position.

According to the Yangyang County Election Commission on the 26th, in the recall vote held that day, 8,038 out of 24,925 eligible voters participated. The voter turnout was recorded at 32.25%, which is below the required 33.3%, resulting in the recall being voided.

On the afternoon of the 26th, a ballot box is placed at the counting center for the recall vote of Gangwon Yangyang County Mayor Kim Jin-ha, established in Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province. If the final voter turnout does not exceed 33.3%, the ballot box will be sealed, and the recall will be rendered void. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

The 'Law on Residents' Recall' stipulates that to confirm a recall, at least one-third (33.3%) of the total voters must participate and over 50% must be in favor. However, as the voter turnout for the recall vote in Yangyang did not exceed 33.3%, the ballots were not opened, and the recall was automatically rejected.

Accordingly, Kim, who is incarcerated following his indictment, has been able to maintain his position as mayor. He was indicted on charges of violating the law on the prohibition of improper solicitation and bribery, as well as sexual assault. He is accused of receiving cash, a high-end massage chair, and sexual favors from a female complainant, referred to as A.

Previously, when allegations of misconduct emerged, Kim left the ruling party, People Power Party, in September last year. Later, in October, the local civic group Future Yangyang Citizen Alliance filed for the recall.