2 indicted for paying N. Korean defectors to campaign in election

The head of a North Korean defectors’ group has been indicted for bringing defectors to an election campaign event for former minor presidential candidate Jang Seong-min in return for money.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office said Monday that it indicted the head of the group, surnamed Lee, 52, and a friend of his, surnamed Park, 41, without detention on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.

Jang, a conservative contender from the National Great Unity Party, was a minor candidate in the May 9 presidential election in which 15 contenders vied for the presidency.

When Jang held a book signing in January to announce his presi- dential bid, Park told Lee to rally defectors for the event, saying she would pay them 20,000-30,000 won each.

Lee then posted articles on the group’s mobile chatting app such as, “Conservative commentator Jang Seong-min runs for election,” “Invitation to Jang’s book signing,” and “30,000 won to each participant for transportation fees.”

He recruited 14 people, and paid 30,000 won to nine of them and 20,000 won to the other five on the day of the event, Jan. 17, in front of the Jangchung Arena in Seoul.

The prosecution regarded the money offering as a violation of the act which bans people from donating or forcing others to donate money for a candidate or the party. Violators are subject to up to five years in prison or up to 10 million won in fines.