South Korea’s election watchdog data showed four in 10 prospective candidates planning to run in April general elections have been convicted of charges ranging from driving under the influence to attempted murder.

The National Election Committee said that of the 1,448 candidates registered to run in the upcoming race, roughly 37 percent of political aspirants were found to have a total of 973 criminal counts on their prior records. The number was based on the agency’s data as of Tuesday.

While most of the convicted candidates were punished for driving under the influence, some left-leaning candidates were found guilty in violation of laws prohibiting illegal protests and rallies. A candidate running from a constituency in Seoul was sentenced to three years for attempted murder. 

Though first-time offenders constituted a majority of the group, one candidate was convicted of 10 counts, including violations of traffic rules, environmental regulations and the antidemonstration law.

Compared to the previous 2012 election, the upcoming one saw a roughly 17 percent increase in candidates with convictions. Observers attributed the increase to a new law that mandates candidates list even minor offenses.

The election law revised in 2014 stipulates that those fined more than 1 million won ($815) file with authorities. Beforehand, candidates were only required to submit offenses involving imprisonment and more serious penalties.

The ratio of the convicted candidates to the general prospective candidates varied across party lines. While the Saenuri Party had 32 percent of its candidates with a criminal record, The Minjoo Party of Korea, the People’s Party, Justice Party and other minor parties claimed 46, 33, 63 and 67 percent, respectively.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)