Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook Questioned by Police Over Allegations Including Prostitution

Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook appeared at the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency as a suspect at around 8 a.m. on the 4th for his first police questioning over alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act (the law governing election rules) and overseas prostitution.

"Despite no violations being committed, complaints have been filed en masse and rumors have spread, subjecting me to personal humiliation while leaving citizens confused," the mayor told reporters. "I hope this investigation becomes an opportunity to set things right." Before appearing at the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency on the 4th, Mayor Kim referenced the case involving former President Roh Moo-hyun's wristwatch found in a rice paddy and President Lee Jae-myung's "Seongnam Mafia" case, both of which were proven to be fabricated. "I have done nothing wrong, so I intend to focus on my work," he said, adding, "I came to today's investigation with an easy mind." He also emphasized that "Ulsan must not tolerate this cowardly, deplorable politics of blame, in which no one takes responsibility—and no one can be held accountable."

The election law allegations stem from the primary contest for a unified candidate between the Democratic Party of Korea and the Rebuilding Korea Party during the June 3 local elections this year. At the time, Kim's campaign declared a halt to its opinion polls, claiming that "circumstances suggesting organized interference by certain forces were being detected." The People Power Party's Ulsan city chapter subsequently reported the mayor to police on charges of making false statements under the Public Official Election Act and obstruction of business under the Criminal Act, arguing that he halted the polls and influenced the election despite no organized interference being confirmed.

Police are reportedly focusing first on the election law violation investigation, given that the statute of limitations expires on December 3.