Jung Eehan on 'Fabricated Attack': "Not an Election Crime... Intended to Reconcile with My Father"

“No Intent to Disrupt Election Freedom or Seek Victory”
Accomplice Admits to Election Interference... Denies Intent to Cause Injury

Jung Eehan, former Reform New Party candidate for Busan mayor, admitted to staging a "fabricated attack" during the 6·3 local elections at his first trial on September 15, but argued that his actions were not intended to raise his profile or boost support in the election.

Jung Eehan, former Reform New Party candidate for Busan mayor. Yonhap News.

The Criminal Division 6 of the Busan District Court (presided over by Judge Lim Seongcheol) opened the first hearing on the 15th morning for Jung—who was charged with instigating violations of the Public Official Election Act, making false statements, and obstructing official duties by fraudulent means—along with co-defendant Mr. Yoon.

Earlier, Jung was indicted for orchestrating the attack scene near the Guseo I.C. in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, on April 27 while campaigning. He allegedly had Mr. Yoon, an acquaintance for about 10 years, splash green tea latte on his face and throw a cup and a boiled egg at him.

On this day, Jung appeared in court in a wrinkled suit and stated that he did not wish to have a jury trial. His attorney said, “We concede most objective facts of the prosecution’s charges but deny the subjective elements and motives.” The attorney added, “Jung fully acknowledges staging the incident and deeply regrets it.”

However, he argued, “Unlike what is stated in the indictment, the purpose of staging the incident was not to raise his profile or support in the election but to resolve an ongoing conflict with his father at the time. If he had intended to use the incident for the election, there would have been corresponding actions afterward, but there were none.”

Although no specific details regarding the conflict with his father were provided, the defense explained, “The situation escalated more than expected, and in a state of confusion and fear, he simply missed the opportunity to correct things.”

The defense argued there was no intent to disrupt election freedom as required by the Public Official Election Act and, regarding the charge of making false statements, said, “He had no intention of winning the election.” Citing the fact that Jung’s poll numbers at the time were only 2–3 percent, the attorney stated, “It does not make sense to claim that a candidate polling at 2 percent sought to win by such means.”

Furthermore, for the charge of obstructing official duties by deception, the defense contended that Jung himself did not report the case to police, and that simply making false statements or passively concealing facts to investigators did not constitute a crime.

Co-defendant Mr. Yoon admitted to the basic facts of his involvement in staging the incident. He said, “I acknowledge the charge of interfering with election freedom and will not contest it.”

However, regarding the charges of inflicting bodily harm and obstruction by fraudulent means, he argued, “Splashing a drink as part of a staged incident cannot be considered intended bodily harm to Jung.” He further stated that whether a medical report requiring over 20 days of treatment accurately reflects actual injury needs to be reviewed.

Meanwhile, the court announced its next session will be held at 10 a.m. on October 20, when it will finalize the opinions of both sides regarding evidence and decide on witness examination.

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