Full-Scale Investigation into Jeonbuk Poll Manipulation

The investigation began with simultaneous search and seizures across 11 locations, including Jinan and Imsil, and summonses for related parties followed, causing considerable impact on the local community.

In particular, in conjunction with issues concerning the adjustment of prosecutorial investigative powers, the prosecution is swiftly investigating this case.

Many of the local government heads under investigation are known to be influential figures in the region.

This investigation has the potential to expand beyond simple poll manipulation to include allegations of current local government heads' involvement in money-for-votes and official-power-for-votes election interference.

There have been successive reports that the local police's investigation is excessively slow.

These allegations have raised serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of local politics.

This led to allegations of organized investigative obstruction and case suppression within the police force.

Indeed, numerous instances were confirmed where cases were buried or covered up after being reported, and some investigators were found to be involved in illegal activities, being charged as suspects.

A list of suspects that the police attempted to conceal by suppressing the case has already been secured. During the News Tam Sa broadcast on May 15, eight individuals, including Governor Jeon Chun-seong, were explicitly named as suspects with their charges specified.

In a past incident involving the distribution of 300,000 won worth of gift certificates, 18 people were charged, and now evidence has emerged that the Jinan Police Station also attempted to conceal the macro poll manipulation case. This indicates serious illegal acts such as delayed case processing and negligence of duty or abuse of authority by investigators.

On the 19th of last month, an official from the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency's Investigation Review Committee visited the office directly for a two-hour interview. News Tam Sa requested case processing by August 31, and in response, the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency confirmed that it directly visited the Jinan Police Station to look into the case.

However, there were no further follow-up measures, and despite a letter requesting the transfer of the case being sent to the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency, they remained silent.