Former Yangcheon District Mayor Lee Jehak Acquitted in First Trial... "Difficult to Recognize Bribery"

Jeon Ijaek, former Yangcheon District Mayor.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Former Yangcheon District Mayor Lee Je-hak, who was prosecuted on charges of receiving money and valuables from a local businessman, was acquitted in the first trial.

The Criminal Division 13 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Shin Hyuk-jae) acquitted former Mayor Lee, who was indicted while in custody on charges of bribery, on the 5th.

Former Mayor Lee was indicted while in custody on charges of receiving 30 million won from a local businessman, Mr. A, at his office under the pretext of handling business after his wife was elected as Yangcheon District Mayor in the June 2014 local elections. Former Mayor Lee has argued that the money was a simple congratulatory gift and that he did not consider it to have any quid pro quo.

The court ruled, "It is acknowledged that the defendant received 30 million won, but this money was given by Mr. A not to request favors related to his business issues, but rather to restore the relationship with the defendant and to avoid causing damage to his own business." Considering that Mr. A supported a candidate from a different party than former Mayor Lee and that the two had disputes during the election process, the money was seen as given to restore relations rather than as a bribe for specific requests.

The court also stated, "There was no mention of any request for favors in the conversation between Mr. A and the defendant at the time the money was given," and "Based solely on the evidence submitted by the prosecution, it is difficult to recognize that money and valuables were received as a bribe in exchange for favors."