Numerous South Korean Election Candidates Have Gambling Convictions

(AsiaGameHub) –   Numerous individuals seeking positions in the approaching South Korean local elections possess prior gambling convictions, according to domestic media reports.

The Chosun Ilbo newspaper stated it performed an extensive review of the criminal histories of all 6,867 prospective local councilor candidates registered with the National Election Commission before the June 3 vote.

This investigation found that 2,477 candidates, or 36.1%, had prior convictions. Separately, the Gangwon Ilbo newspaper reported that nearly half of the 53 preliminary candidates aiming to become heads of local government in Gangwon Province have criminal records.

While most of these unnamed candidates were convicted of traffic offenses like drunk-driving, approximately ten have records for crimes including habitual gambling, fraud, document forgery, and bribery.

The newspaper further noted that one candidate’s record contains multiple convictions for gambling and assault.

Gambling Convictions: Candidates in the Spotlight

South Korea will hold its local elections on June 3, with 4,000 local council seats available. Voters will also select new education superintendents, mayors, and provincial leaders.

Gangwon Province hosts the High1 casino, the sole venue in the nation permitted to admit local citizens.

The Kookmin Ilbo newspaper reported that the problem extends beyond Gangwon Province, with many of the implicated candidates belonging to major political parties.

In an editorial, the newspaper described many as having been found guilty of “heinous crimes,” such as habitual gambling and sexual harassment.

“It remains to be seen how many individuals with criminal histories will be filtered out ahead of June 3,” the editorial board wrote.

Gambling Convict Eyes Fourth Term

According to WikiTree, one candidate, a man in his seventies, is campaigning for a fourth term as a metropolitan council member.

His criminal history includes convictions for habitual gambling, securities forgery, and fraud.

Court records indicate he received a suspended three-year prison sentence for these offenses.

The same outlet reported that another male candidate was given a suspended sentence for “forcibly molesting a woman at a public event.”

An anonymous Seoul public official told the Chosun Ilbo that civil servants face severe professional consequences for illegal acts. The official stated, “Citizens keep electing local council members who have committed multiple offenses. It’s disheartening.”

Earlier this month, an audit in Chuncheon found that nine civil servants defrauded hundreds of victims of more than $18.2 million.

These officials are accused of participating in a fraudulent sports betting scheme that offered investors “guaranteed returns.”