South Korea man to stand trial for trying to cross into North Korea for interview

SEOUL, July 20 (UPI) -- A South Korean man who had claimed fraud during the 2012 presidential elections and subsequently attempted to cross into North Korea is to stand trial.

The man, who is in his 50s, identified by his surname Jeong, is to remain in South Korean custody, according to Seoul Central District Court, on charges of planning an escape to the North.

Attempting to flee to North Korea is an act that violates South Korea's National Security Law.

Jeong was a day laborer and a member of an organization that filed a lawsuit after the 2012 presidential elections, when current President Park Geun-hye won the popular vote over other politically progressive rivals.

The group claimed the election outcomes were invalid and the results had been manipulated. They asked a South Korean court to nullify the results.

According to Seoul prosecution, Jeong was trying to cross into North Korea from China in September and October 2013, to give an interview to North Korean propaganda outlet Uriminzokkiri.

Jeong had declared his intentions to visit North Korea to Pyongyang embassy officers in Beijing, Yonhap reported.

The defendant also gave speeches at rallies, blogged and tweeted about alleged election fraud, and sent an email to a North Korean manager of Uriminzokkiri stationed in Harbin, requesting a visit.

In the email, Jeong wrote, "I want to give an interview with Pyongyang's broadcasting to make it public the 18th presidential election in South Korea was a fraud, and provide a wide range of counsel on South Korean politics. Help me find a way to Pyongyang."

North Korean diplomats in China turned down the request, saying it was an "inconvenience."

Around the time Jeong was attempting to gain entry into North Korea, two South Koreans in Jeong's group were arrested for publishing a white paper claiming fraudulent elections.

They were arrested on charges of defamation and were sentenced to two years in prison.