Democratic Assemblyman Chang Sung-Min Loses Seat

New Millennium Democratic Party (NMDP) member Chang Sung-Min lost his membership in the Assembly, as the Supreme Court condemned his election manager, who is suspected of distributing money to election workers illegally.

Therefore, NMDP’s seats decreased from 118 to 117.

On the 22nd, the Supreme Court sentenced Chang’s election manager Kwon Sung-Taek to a 10-month jail term and 2-year suspension for the charge of illegal distribution of tens of million wons to election workers.

Chang lost his seat under the current Election Law that states `If the candidate receives a fine of more than 1 million won, or the candidate’s election manager, chief accountant, or direct family member receive a jail term (including probation), then the election is voided`.

His seat will be replaced by a new election in Kumchon-ku, Seoul, on August 8.

Since Chang was not punished for his own offense, he is able to run for other elections, except the new one.

His is the first case of actual forfeit of seat under the Supreme Court ruling over indicted affairs in the 16th general election. Former NMDP member Chang Young-Shin and Grand National Party (GNP) member Jung In-Bong lost their seats with the Supreme Court’s confirmation ruling over election void lawsuit.

The ongoing election- related cases in the Supreme Court include NMDP member Park Yong-Ho, GNP members Jung In-Bong, Yoo Sung-Kun, Jung Jae-Moon, and Kim Ho-Il.

Also, the Supreme Court upheld a 150 million won-fine against former Government Administration and Home Affairs minister Kim Jung-Gil for the charge of illegal leaflet distribution during April 13 general election.

Consequently, Kim is unable to run for public office for 5 years.

sooh@donga.com