Shin Yonghan, Who Raised "Myung Taekyun Opinion-Rigging Allegations," Not Referred by Police..."Public Interest Acknowledged"

No Charges for Alleged Violations of Information and Communications Network Act and Election Act
Myung's Side: "No Official Notification Yet... Countersuit Underway"

Shin Yonghan, Governor of Chungbuk, who had publicized the "Myung Taegyun Opinion Manipulation Allegation" during former President Yoon Sukyeol's presidential campaign and was subsequently sued by Myung, has been cleared of charges by the police. The authorities determined that Governor Shin's statement was not a personal attack, but rather an act in pursuit of "the public interest."

Shin Yonghan, Governor of Chungbuk from the Democratic Party of Korea, became teary-eyed while speaking at a rally organized by the Chungbuk Parents of Disabled Children Association last month. Yonhap News.

According to police on August 2, the Cheongju Heungdeok Police Station recently decided not to send Governor Shin's case to the prosecution, concluding "no charges" regarding defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and violation of the Public Official Election Act.

Previously, Governor Shin appeared on a YouTube channel twice—once in November 2024 and again in December 2025—to expose suspicions that "Mr. Myung Taegyun had engaged in opinion manipulation during the 20th presidential election." In response, Myung's side filed a police complaint against Shin this past March, claiming that despite having provided Shin with an acquittal verdict on violating the Political Funds Act, Shin spread false information that damaged Myung's reputation.

However, after investigating the case, the police sided with Governor Shin. The authorities found that Shin's disclosures were not intended as personal attacks, but rather served the "public interest" by verifying the fairness of the presidential election process, thereby negating any illegality. Regarding the alleged violation of the Public Official Election Act, the police also concluded that, taking into account Shin's status at the time and the context of his remarks, the criminal elements required for such an offense were not present.

Concerning the police's decision not to refer the case to prosecution, Myung's legal representative stated, "We have not yet received an official notification of the investigation results from the police," adopting a cautious stance. This decision marks a new phase in the legal dispute between the two parties. Governor Shin has also filed a countersuit against Mr. Myung in April, alleging defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, among other charges.

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