Ahead of last year's general election, Democratic Party Rep. Kim Han-jung, who had been tried for providing expensive liquor at a meal with constituents, was sentenced to a fine of 1.5 million won in the first trial.
The judge said, "Rep. Kim has a history of being fined even during the previous general election, and it cannot be taken lightly as the election law specifically prohibits the provision of alcohol."
If a penalty of more than 1 million won is confirmed for violation of the Public Official Election Act, the election will be invalidated.