A court denied an arrest warrant for a man in his 30s accused of throwing a drink at Jeong Ihan, the Reform New Party’s candidate for Busan mayor in the June 3 local election. The suspect has been released. Authorities say the incident occurred at about 8:57 a.m. on the 27th in Geumjeong District, Busan. While driving on a road, the man allegedly threw a cup of beverage at Jeong as the candidate approached during a campaign event. On the 29th, the Busan Police Agency said the court conducted a pre-arrest hearing for the suspect identified only as A, who faces charges under the Public Official Election Act for obstructing electoral freedom, and denied the arrest warrant.
Police say A also shouted derogatory remarks aimed at denigrating young politicians as he threw the cup. Jeong struck his head on the ground, was taken to a hospital, and was diagnosed with a concussion and other injuries.
Jeong was discharged on the morning of the 29th, three days after being hospitalized.
Police are continuing the investigation, including forensic analysis of A’s cellphone, to determine his motive and whether he had accomplices.
A police official said, "Although the court denied the arrest warrant and A was released, we may reapply for an arrest warrant as the investigation continues."
