[Exclusive] "Verbal Abuse and Sexual Harassment During Song Performance"... Daegu-Gyeongbuk Public Venues Marred by Chaotic Election Campaigning

Chanting "Park Geun-hye" and "Chu Kyung-ho" on the Microphone
Responding to Protests with Sexually Suggestive Gestures
"Surprise Speech" at Official Dinner Event in Pohang
Up to Two Years in Prison or a Fine of up to 4 Million Won

There has been growing controversy as alleged violations of election law continue to occur at crowded public venues such as restaurants and live cafes in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK) region, with individuals expressing support for specific candidates or hurling insults at rival candidates.

It has been pointed out that the race to win votes in the final stretch of the election has become overheated, resulting in a level of negative campaigning that makes citizens frown.

On May 30, the day of absentee (early) voting, a live cafe near Suseong Lake in Daegu turned chaotic in an instant.

The stage at the live cafe where the commotion broke out. Photo by Choi Daeuk

While singing on stage with a microphone, a man identified as A suddenly began making statements in support of a specific candidate.

A chanted "Park Geun-hye" and "Chu Kyung-ho" while directly naming the Democratic Party candidate and unleashing vulgar insults that are difficult to repeat.

This commotion continued for about 20 minutes.

A couple in their 60s, who were visiting the cafe while traveling from Busan to Suseong Lake in Daegu for the first time in a while, expressed their outrage.

When the couple strongly protested, saying, "Why are you supporting a particular party and chanting someone's name, even using foul language, in a public place?" A, far from apologizing, made sexually suggestive gestures toward them and told them to "leave," displaying an audacious attitude.

As a result, the guests, feeling insulted, stormed out of the establishment. The owner of the live cafe personally stepped in to restrain A, but the disturbance did not subside easily.

The owner, identified as Yang, expressed both resentment and embarrassment about the incident.

Yang said, "This commotion had nothing to do with our business, but I am extremely worried that the establishment might be misunderstood as having a particular political leaning. I desperately tried to stop A from causing a scene, but his reckless behavior made it impossible to avoid a major disturbance," he lamented.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Daegu City Party of the People Power Party, in a call with our publication, drew a clear line, stating, "We have identified who A is, but this only brings disgrace to the People Power Party. He has no relation to our party whatsoever."

This is not an isolated incident.

Previously, on May 25 at an official event held in Pohang, a similar commotion occurred.

At a dinner attended by guests from across the country, a man identified as B suddenly stood up and chanted slogans in support of a particular candidate, insisting on delivering a speech.

Unable to tolerate the situation, attendees protested vehemently, and the dinner quickly descended into chaos.

In addition, reports have been coming in to the Election Commission and media outlets that acts such as chanting a specific candidate's name and soliciting support are occurring frequently at social gatherings and restaurants in areas including Gyeongju, Cheongdo, Gyeongsan, and Yeongcheon.

According to the Public Official Election Act, aside from campaign methods prescribed by law, such as speeches or discussions in public places using vehicles or loudspeakers, it is strictly prohibited to use loudspeakers (microphones) to make personal statements of support or slander in crowded public venues such as restaurants or cafes.

As the situation has become more serious, the Election Commission has launched an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances.

An official from the Election Commission strongly warned, "If illegal campaigning is conducted in public places or ordinary restaurants using microphones or other sound equipment, violators may face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 4 million won under Article 255 (Illegal Electioneering) Paragraph 2, Subparagraph 4 of the Public Official Election Act."

The Election Commission added, "Based on the reports received and the situation on the ground, we are thoroughly investigating the specific facts. If any illegal activity is confirmed, we will file criminal complaints without exception and take strict action."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.