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An Anyang city official looks at graffiti plastered onto the walls of city hall. The words demand the mayor's departure.
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What once was a slap on the wrist for corruption is now costing their job
At a city government office in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, a placard posted outside read, "Mayor Sin Jung-dae, Destroy Yourself!" The sign is the result of an ongoing trial regarding allegations that Shin bribed voters in order to win. Workers with the Anyang city government union have brought court cases against seven public officials, including Sin. Prosecutors have questioned about 30 officials at the city government so far. Every morning, a city official joked, the greeting in the office is "Who will be questioned today?" instead of a friendly hello. Although more than six months have passed since mayorial elections in South Korea, controversies remain over illegal election campaign practices. Lee Wan-gu, governor of South Chungcheong Province, was sentenced to pay more than 1 million won (US$1,100) in fines, a sentence that could nullify Lee’s election. On November 24, Lee faces trial to see if he is fit to retain office. Kim Tae-hwan, governor of Jeju Province, was indicted last month on charges of illegally mobilizing provincial government officials to help with his election campaign. On October 25, by-elections were held to replace four mayors or county heads who were stepping down on charges of corruption or violating election law.In addition, about 10 majors and county heads are waiting for a trial with a sentence that could nullify their elections. A county head in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang province, was arrested before an inauguration. A mayor in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi province, voluntarily stepped down on charges of having accepted bribes. South Korea’s history of local elections stretches back a mere 10 years. This short period has seen the arrest of many disgraced local government heads on charges of corruption. But except for charges of giving money for votes, it has been a rare case for a court bring a sentence that could nullify the election results. However, court decisions on these matters have become more strict recently. A mayor in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, was sentenced to pay 3 million won in fines for distributing ad pamphlets that carried false statistics that put the city’s financial self-reliance rate at a record low. Han Taek-su, mayor of Yangpyeong, and Yang Jae-su, mayor of Gapyeong, had their election wins nullified for giving gifts of food worth hundreds of dollars to voters. An official at the central election management committee said the rise in indictments for local government heads was due to an increase of whistle-blowers with tangible evidence to back up their claims. During the investigation and trial period for these local government office holders, officials working in city governments are busy guessing as to who will be their new boss. An official at a local government said, "Stability is essential for local government officials to resolve issues and push new businesses." Under the present unusual circumstances, "I slack off," the official said.