South Korean Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung is set to receive his first trial verdict on election law violations at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Seoul Central District Court.
This marks a decision on the first of four cases Lee is currently facing in court, coming two years and two months after he was charged without detention in Sept. 2022. On the day of the verdict, the Democratic Party plans to assemble en masse in front of the courthouse to advocate for Lee’s innocence.
The election law violation charges relate to statements Lee made during the last presidential election. Prosecutors allege that Lee falsely claimed he did not know Kim Moon-gi, a key official in the controversial Daejang-dong development project, despite working with him when Lee served as mayor of Seongnam. Additionally, he is accused of falsely stating during a parliamentary hearing that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport “pressured” local authorities to significantly rezone land for the Baekhyeon-dong development.
A central focus for political observers is whether Lee will receive a sentence involving a fine of at least 1 million won ($711), which would lead to his loss of National Assembly seat if upheld by the Supreme Court. Prosecutors have sought a two-year prison term for Lee.
If the fine is upheld by higher courts, Lee would not only lose his Assembly seat but would also be barred from running in future elections, including the presidential race. Additionally, the Democratic Party would be required to return around $30.8 million in reimbursed campaign funds from the previous presidential election.
Even if Lee is given a penalty severe enough to risk his Assembly seat in the first trial, appeals could delay a final decision, and higher court rulings might diverge from the initial verdict. Nevertheless, if the court imposes a fine over the threshold, it could significantly challenge Lee’s political position.
A separate verdict in another case involving Lee is expected on Nov. 25. In this case, he faces charges of allegedly instructing perjury. If a conviction of imprisonment or higher is confirmed by the Supreme Court, it could also result in Lee’s disqualification from holding office or running in elections.
Despite these challenges, Lee’s supporters argue that he has no clear successor as the next presidential candidate, making his leadership crucial regardless of the trial outcome. However, opposition figures contend that a verdict impacting Lee’s Assembly seat, even at the first trial level, could deepen anxiety within the party over his ongoing legal risks and put his 19-year political career at a critical juncture.
In related news, Lee’s wife, Kim Hye-kyung, was fined about $1,000 by the Suwon District Court in a case involving the alleged misuse of corporate funds via credit cards.
To show support for Lee, numerous Democratic Party officials and supporters are expected to gather outside the courthouse for his sentencing. Pro-Lee groups within the party have issued an ‘all-out support order,’ urging members and lawmakers to appear at the court in solidarity.
