It has been revealed that Jung Yi-han, a former Busan mayoral candidate for the Reform Party who was arrested on charges of staging a beverage attack, had already appeared before the police and confessed to the allegations before the June 3 local election.
Previously, on April 27, the former candidate and his gym trainer, identified as A, conspired to stage a beverage-throwing incident during a campaign event near the Guseo Interchange in Geumjeong-gu, Busan.
At the time, the former candidate claimed he had collapsed after being hit by a beverage thrown from a passing vehicle while campaigning.
He alleged that he lost consciousness while trying to dodge the drink and was transported to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a concussion and muscle contusions.
However, police investigations revealed that the two had known each other for nearly 10 years.
Records of multiple phone calls between the former candidate and A were confirmed, and CCTV footage secured by the police captured the two meeting at a gym before the incident.
The former candidate, who had even submitted a petition while posing as a victim of an attack, appeared before the police in mid-May and admitted to the crime.
Although they initially claimed they did not know each other, they retracted their statements as the police investigation progressed, admitting that they were, in fact, acquaintances.
Nevertheless, the former candidate continued his campaign and garnered media attention, even wearing a neck brace while campaigning.
The police believe the former candidate staged the incident to create favorable public opinion for his campaign.
The police stated, "We are also investigating whether there was any exchange of money or other forms of compensation between the two," adding, "We plan to refer the case to the prosecution next week."
Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
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