Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok Denies Election Law Violations, Claims Political Repression
Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok Denies Election Law Violations, Claims Political Repression
Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok is vehemently protesting being referred to the prosecution for alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act, claiming political repression. The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Unit of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency announced on October 29, 2025, that it had referred Mayor Yoo and 12 current and former Incheon city officials to the prosecution on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act. Mayor Yoo is accused of mobilizing public officials for illegal campaign activities during his bid to become the People Power Party's presidential nominee. Police transferred the case to the Incheon District Prosecutor's Office ahead of the statute of limitations deadline on December 3rd. The case stems from allegations that Incheon city officials systematically engaged in illegal campaigning to support a specific candidate during Mayor Yoo's participation in the People Power Party's presidential primary. Police have been intensively investigating Yoo's involvement through searches and seizures and summoning related individuals, ultimately determining that Yoo and numerous officials violated the Public Official Election Act, leading to the referral to the prosecution.
Mayor Yoo immediately refuted the decision to send the case to the prosecution, expressing strong regret. On October 29, 2025, he stated on his SNS that "This referral to the prosecution is a clear case of political repression and a classic example of excessive investigation." Mayor Yoo argued that "The police prematurely concluded guilt without sufficient evidence and conducted an unreasonable investigation," and that he "will make every effort to prove his innocence during the prosecution investigation." Furthermore, Mayor Yoo raised suspicions that the case was orchestrated by forces seeking to weaken his political standing, emphasizing that he "will not succumb to political repression and will dedicate himself even more to city administration for the benefit of the citizens." Yoo's claims suggest that this case could escalate beyond a simple legal violation into a political battle. It is reported that Mayor Yoo's side is preparing to actively defend himself during the prosecution investigation while also considering legal action.
This case is expected to have significant repercussions throughout the political sphere, extending beyond the personal issues of Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok. In particular, the referral of an incumbent mayor to the prosecution on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act ahead of next year's local elections could place a considerable burden on the People Power Party. Furthermore, the potential for heightened political conflict between the ruling and opposition parties cannot be ruled out, depending on the investigation process and outcome of this case. Political experts predict that this case will have a significant impact on Mayor Yoo's political career as well as the People Power Party's local election strategy. The prosecution plans to thoroughly review the materials sent by the police and conduct further investigation into the allegations against Mayor Yoo. The prosecution's investigation results will determine whether Mayor Yoo will be indicted, and fierce legal battles are expected during the trial process.
The police's decision to hand over the case involving Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok to the prosecution ahead of the statute of limitations deadline is interpreted as a measure to quickly obtain a legal judgment on the investigation results. The statute of limitations for violations of the Public Official Election Act is typically six months, but investigations are often prolonged due to the difficulty of securing evidence and obtaining statements from relevant individuals, given the nature of election crimes. With the statute of limitations for this case approaching, the police appear to have referred the case to the prosecution to prevent further delays in the investigation and to process the case in accordance with legal procedures. The prosecution will conduct further investigation into Mayor Yoo based on the police investigation results and decide whether to indict him. If the prosecution indicts Mayor Yoo, the court will determine Yoo's guilt or innocence through a trial. If Mayor Yoo is found guilty in court, he could lose his mayoral position and suffer significant political damage.
Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok has consistently claimed that the case is a political repression and has stated that he will make every effort to prove his innocence. He emphasized that "This case is a plot by forces trying to defame me, and the truth will surely be revealed." Mayor Yoo is reportedly preparing for legal action through his lawyer while actively cooperating with the prosecution investigation. Yoo's side is expected to emphasize that the investigation is politically motivated and urge a fair and objective judgment during the prosecution investigation. In addition, Mayor Yoo reassured citizens that he "will do his best to ensure that there are no disruptions to city administration due to this case" and added that he "will work even more dedicatedly to repay the citizens' support and encouragement." Yoo's remarks are interpreted as an effort to consolidate public sentiment that may be shaken by this case and to maintain confidence in city administration.
