Former lawmaker Park Soon-ja was sentenced to prison in a case where she was indicted for receiving money and valuables in exchange for nominations for city councilors in the Ansan area of Gyeonggi Province. Park previously served as a lawmaker in the 17th, 18th, and 20th National Assemblies.
On the 13th, the 3rd Division of the Supreme Court (Chief Justice Lee Suk-yeon) upheld the lower court’s ruling, sentencing former lawmaker Park to 2 years and 6 months in prison and a fine of 30 million won for violations of the Public Official Election Act (prohibition on receiving money regarding the recommendation of candidates by political parties). Two city councilors who were indicted for providing money to Park were also sentenced to 8 months and 6 months in prison, respectively, with a 2-year probation.
Former lawmaker Park was indicted in the same year for allegedly receiving or promising to receive millions of won from four individuals, including two city councilors from the People Power Party and two self-employed individuals, in exchange for nomination rights for city councilors ahead of the June 1, 2022, local elections.
In January last year, the first trial court sentenced former lawmaker Park to 2 years and 6 months in prison and ordered her to pay 30 million won in restitution. However, the court did not place her in custody, citing no concerns regarding evidence destruction. The court stated, "Despite being in a position responsible for ensuring that the public election was conducted transparently and fairly as the chairman of the People Power Party in Ansan, she proactively and actively demanded and received money," and added, "The amount is not small, and the nature of the crime is not light."
In November last year, the appellate court upheld the lower court's decision. The court remarked, "Despite being in a position responsible for ensuring that the public election was conducted transparently and fairly as the chairman of the People Power Party in Ansan, she proactively and actively demanded and received money." It continued, "The amount is not small, the nature of the crime is not light, and there is a concern of flight," leading to Park's detention.
The Supreme Court also noted, "There was no misunderstanding of the legal principles regarding the establishment of violations of the Public Official Election Act in the lower court's judgment," thus dismissing the appeal and upholding the lower court's ruling.