By Ko Dong-hwan
Son Jong-pyo, a candidate who registered for the general elections on Apr. 13 as an independent contesting the seat of daedeok-gu, Daejeon, has 10 criminal convictions ― the most among 944 candidates nationwide. The charges include civic protest laws obstruction, traffic violations and drunk driving.
Choi Ji-woong, an independent candidate contesting the seat of Saha-gu B, Busan, has nine convictions for infringing national security laws and election regulations. Kim Hong-eob, an independent candidate aiming for the seat of Sancheong, Hamyang, Geochang and Hapcheon, South Gyeongnam Province, has eight convictions, including for physical violence and embezzlement.
The National Election Commission says about four out of 10 candidates vying for 253 seats in the 20th National Assembly have at least one criminal conviction ― 383 in total. This is more than double the number of convictions among candidates at the previous parliamentary election four years ago.
A total of 204 candidates for the April 13 elections have one criminal conviction, 103 candidates have two convictions and 45 candidates have three convictions.
The charges include distribution of sexually explicit material, trespassing, gambling and violating military service laws.
The main opposition Minjoo Party has the most candidates with criminal records ― 99. The ruling Saenuri Party follows with 80, the People's Party with 67 and independent candidates 55. The Justice Party has 30.
Son Jong-pyo, a candidate who registered for the general elections on Apr. 13 as an independent contesting the seat of daedeok-gu, Daejeon, has 10 criminal convictions ― the most among 944 candidates nationwide. The charges include civic protest laws obstruction, traffic violations and drunk driving.
Choi Ji-woong, an independent candidate contesting the seat of Saha-gu B, Busan, has nine convictions for infringing national security laws and election regulations. Kim Hong-eob, an independent candidate aiming for the seat of Sancheong, Hamyang, Geochang and Hapcheon, South Gyeongnam Province, has eight convictions, including for physical violence and embezzlement.
The National Election Commission says about four out of 10 candidates vying for 253 seats in the 20th National Assembly have at least one criminal conviction ― 383 in total. This is more than double the number of convictions among candidates at the previous parliamentary election four years ago.
A total of 204 candidates for the April 13 elections have one criminal conviction, 103 candidates have two convictions and 45 candidates have three convictions.
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The charges include distribution of sexually explicit material, trespassing, gambling and violating military service laws.
The main opposition Minjoo Party has the most candidates with criminal records ― 99. The ruling Saenuri Party follows with 80, the People's Party with 67 and independent candidates 55. The Justice Party has 30.
