'Suspected Staged Attack' Jung Yi-han, Beverage Thrower Was a Gym Manager

Personal Connection Confirmed... Police Review Call Records

Complaint Filed Requesting Investigation into Possible Medical Service Act Violations

Amid suspicions that the “beverage-throwing attack” against Jung Yi-han, the former Reform New Party candidate for Busan mayor in the June 3 local elections, was staged, the police have confirmed a personal connection between Jung and the man who threw the drink and are currently investigating the matter.

According to the police and other sources on June 18, the Geumjeong Police Station in Busan has booked both Jung and the man identified as “A,” who threw the beverage, on charges including violations of the Public Official Election Act and obstruction of official duties by fraudulent means, and is conducting an investigation.

Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party (left), and Jeong Ihan, former Reform New Party candidate for Busan mayor, are speaking as they visit Gupo Market in Buk-gu, Busan, on April 29. Photo by Yonhap News

On May 27, during a campaign event on a street in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, Jung was struck by a cup thrown by A, who allegedly said, “How can a youngster like you be a mayoral candidate?” Jung was then taken to the hospital. A fled the scene immediately after the incident but was arrested the same day near his workplace in Sasang-gu, Busan. However, Jung stated that he did not wish for A to be punished, and the case was nearly closed as a result.

However, after the election, allegations emerged that the incident was not a simple assault but a staged event. A was reportedly a trainer and manager at a gym in Busan and was personally acquainted with Jung. It was also confirmed that an account with the same name as A was registered as a friend on Jung’s social networking service (SNS), although it remains unconfirmed whether the account actually belongs to A.

The police have reportedly confirmed records showing that Jung and A communicated by phone prior to the incident. In addition, the police are investigating the nature of their relationship before the event and whether the beverage-throwing incident was premeditated. A police official said, “As the case is under investigation and in accordance with guidelines from the National Investigation Headquarters regarding the disclosure of criminal facts, we cannot disclose specific details.”

After the incident came to light, it was also confirmed that the police received a complaint requesting investigation into a possible violation of the Medical Service Act regarding how Jung obtained medical certificates and other documents. Jung’s campaign stated at the time that he was admitted to a hospital run by his family, where he was diagnosed with a concussion and a muscle strain, and announced to the media that “out of fear that it might be a chemical attack, Jung temporarily lost consciousness at the scene.” It is known that Jung received this diagnosis at the hospital operated by his father. Regarding the complaint about a possible violation of the Medical Service Act, a police official stated, “We plan to conduct an investigation.”

The Reform New Party has stated it will respond strongly to the issue. Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform New Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, “Because he was a candidate nominated by the Reform New Party, I feel an infinite sense of responsibility,” adding, “We will launch a party-level fact-finding team, and depending on the established facts, we will hold Jung fully accountable, both civilly and criminally, to the highest degree.” Jung submitted his resignation from the party before the incident was reported in the media, and immediately after the election, he declared his retirement from politics via social networking service (SNS).

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