[2021 National Audit] Controversy over Lee Jae-myung's Free Legal Representation, Anti-Corruption Commission Chair Says "Difficult to Judge Violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act"

October 20 National Assembly Judiciary Committee Hearing Response
"If close, free legal representation is possible... Need to ascertain specific facts"

Jeon Hyun-hee, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (third from the left), responding to questions from ruling and opposition party lawmakers during the 2021 Comprehensive Government Audit of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 20th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Jeon Hyun-hee, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, stated on the 20th during the National Assembly audit that regarding questions about Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate's alleged free legal defense, "It is possible to provide free legal defense to very close acquaintances or friends, so it is difficult to consider this itself as a violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act."

Chairperson Jeon appeared at the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee comprehensive audit that day and responded to People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Chang-hyun's question about Lee's 'free legal defense' allegations, asking, "Does taking on legal defense at a price significantly lower than the market rate constitute a violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act?"

Jeon said, "Legal fees are determined based on various circumstances at the time, so it is difficult to say that there is a fixed market rate. It is also difficult to say whether the judgment that the price is 'significantly lower than the market rate' is legally possible."

Regarding the question, "If legal defense with monetary value was received, does it constitute a violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act?" she said, "There is a possibility that it falls under 'receipt of money or valuables, etc.' as specified in the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act," but added, "There are exceptions in the Act for money or valuables given under legitimate authority, other laws, or social norms. To determine whether it practically falls under these exceptions, it is necessary to verify the specific facts."