Former Reform Party Busan Mayoral Candidate Deletes Social Media, Goes Into Hiding Amid 'Staged Attack' Allegations

Jeong I-han, a former candidate for Busan mayor representing the Reform Party in the June 3 local elections, has deleted his social media posts and gone into hiding following allegations that he staged his own attack.

As of this afternoon (June 18), Jeong's Facebook account remains active, but all previous posts have been deleted.

The profile background photo and introduction have been removed. While his educational background and past experience working at the Prime Minister's Office remain, all references to the "Reform Party" have disappeared.

Previously, in April, Jeong claimed he was injured when a man in his 30s threw a drink at him from a passing car while he was campaigning in Geumjeong-gu, Busan.

Jeong claimed he lost consciousness after falling during the incident and was diagnosed with a concussion. However, as suspicions arose that the incident may have been staged, the police launched an investigation.

Following the allegations, Jeong withdrew from the Reform Party through an online system, and party leader Lee Jun-seok issued an apology, stating, "I apologize to the citizens of Busan."

During a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly today, Lee said, "If the details released by investigative authorities and reported by the media are true, this is a grave election crime that is difficult to even imagine," adding, "As he was a candidate nominated by the Reform Party, I feel an infinite sense of responsibility."

Lee also emphasized, "We will activate an internal fact-finding team and hold the former candidate strictly accountable to the highest level of civil and criminal liability based on the established facts," while noting that there is no further information beyond what has been reported so far.

Lee Jeong-hyeok, the former public relations chief who campaigned alongside Jeong, stated on social media, "I had no prior knowledge of the incident, and I can say with certainty that I was never informed of anything related to this matter."

The police raided the campaign office of the Reform Party's Busan mayoral candidate on June 4, the day after the election. They are continuing their investigation into the possibility that Jeong and the suspect in his 30s may be acquaintances.

Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Jang Yu-jin | Graphics by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.