[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Independent lawmaker Lee Sang-jik (Jeonbuk Jeonju-eul, detained), who was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act, received a sentence resulting in loss of his parliamentary seat in the first trial.
The 11th Criminal Division of Jeonju District Court (Chief Judge Kang Dong-won) sentenced Lee to 1 year and 4 months in prison with a 2-year probation during the sentencing hearing held at 10 a.m. on the 16th. This sentence is heavier than the disqualification penalty (a fine of 1 million KRW). If this sentence is finalized, Lee must relinquish his parliamentary seat.
The court stated, "It is recognized that the defendant (Lawmaker Lee Sang-jik) conspired with key members of his election campaign to send traditional liquor to constituents while serving as the President of the Small and Medium Business Venture Promotion Corporation," adding, "It is reasonable to view the defendant as a candidate for the 21st general election at that time."
Furthermore, the court acknowledged the prosecution's charges, stating, "The defendant included false information in the 21st general election campaign materials and induced party members with voting rights to participate in public opinion polls targeting general citizens during the party primary process." However, the court acquitted him of charges related to soliciting support within religious facilities and making false statements on internet broadcasts.
Lawmaker Lee faced five charges under the Public Official Election Act, including donation violations, false statement publication, and pre-election campaigning.
He is accused of providing traditional liquor and booklets worth approximately 26 million KRW to 377 constituents on three occasions from January to September 2019 while serving as the President of the Small and Medium Business Venture Promotion Corporation.
Additionally, he is charged with conspiring with city council members and others to send mass text messages that appeared to encourage duplicate voting by general and party members with voting rights during the party primary for the general election, aiming to create favorable public opinion and gain an advantage in the primary.
Moreover, Lee was accused of making false statements about the circumstances of his elimination in the party primary during the 20th general election on an internet broadcast in January last year, and of including false information in the "Candidate Information Disclosure Record of Criminal History" section of the election campaign materials in March last year. The indictment also included charges of distributing business cards and soliciting support at religious facilities.
Lee’s case has dragged on for over a year, from the search and seizure immediately after the 21st general election to courtroom battles. The court completed the trial in January and initially planned to deliver the verdict on February 3, but postponed the ruling for thorough consideration.
The prosecution criticized Lee as an "encyclopedia of election crimes" and sought a sentence of 3 years and 6 months in prison.
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