Breakdown of 20th National Assembly Election Income and Expenditure Released

Anybody may view, request a copy, and file an objection for three months

The National Election Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Korea will release the income and expenditure statement for election campaigning for candidates and parties that ran in the 20th National Assembly elections available to the public from May 20. In particular, in the case of election funds, the NEC will also make these income and expenditure details available online at http://info.nec.go.kr/. 

In the case of elections for constituency members of the National Assembly, anybody may view or apply for a copy of a candidate’s income and expenditure details and supporting documents through the relevant Election Commission from May 5 until August 22. For elections for proportional representation members of the National Assembly, anybody may view or apply for a copy of income and expenditure details and attached documents through the NEC from May 30 until August 30. 

However, from within supporting document, receipts, documented evidence and the income and expenditure bankbook are exempt from being copied. Those who have an objection regarding the account report may file an objection to the relevant Election Commission who holds the supporting documents during the period the documents are publicly available. 

In the recent 20th National Assembly elections, candidates running for constituency member seats spent a total of 113 billion Korean won ($113 million USD) in campaign, averaging out at 121 million Korean won ($121,000 USD) per candidate. The average limit on election expenses was 175 million Korean won ($175,000 USD) per candidate, meaning that 69.1% of allowed election expenses were actually used. 

(Unit: Number of people, 10,000 Korean Won, USD, %)

Meanwhile, on April 25 the NEC established 18 task forces nationwide to extensively investigate fraud such as illegal or false reports regarding election expenses and political funds, and any illegal activities that are found will result in stern punishment. 

The NEC provides a reward of up to 500 million Korean won ($500,000 USD) to those that report political fund violations, and the identity of the person who reports any violations according to law will be strictly protected. The NEC requests that citizens actively report any violations. 

If a person wishes to report any political fund violations, they may visit any Election Commission nationwide or can call 1390 in Korea.