"Two-Person Murder Bizarre Case" Opposition Launches Full-Scale Criticism of Lee Jae-myung's Defense of Nephew in 'Dating Murder'

People Power Party Criticizes Lee Jae-myung's Defense of Nephew in 'Dating Murder' Case... Three Comments in One Day
"Not a Mistake to Call It 'Dating Violence'"
"Not an Ordinary Murder Case but a Bizarre Incident Where Two People Stabbed Victim 37 Times"
Lee Jae-myung: "I Will Devote Myself to My Role with a Heart to Repay for Life"

Kim Byung-joon, Standing Election Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 28th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] The People Power Party is focusing criticism on Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, over his history of defending a 'nephew dating-related murder' case. On the 28th alone, the party issued three related statements, fiercely criticizing Lee for lacking empathy and deeming him unfit to be a presidential candidate.

Kim Byung-joon, the standing election committee chairman of the People Power Party, directly attacked Lee during a press conference held on the 28th at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, saying, "It is unacceptable for a lawyer who wants to enter politics to use such tactics ('reduction of sentence due to diminished mental capacity') as a common technique in various trials."

Kim also criticized Lee for describing his nephew's 'dating-related murder' case as 'dating violence,' stating, "'Dating violence' was not a mistake. This was not an ordinary murder case but a bizarre incident where the two victims were stabbed a total of 37 times," adding, "He only apologized for convenience, but in his heart, he probably still thinks of it as 'dating violence.'"

The People Power Party's election committee spokesperson office also released related statements criticizing Lee. Spokesperson Jeon Ju-hye mentioned Lee's 2018 comment on the 'Gangseo-gu PC room murder case,' where he said, "The public is angry about 'sentence reduction due to mental illness,'" and stated, "Lee's anger is directed only at people other than his clients, showing no concern for the innocent victims or the suffering of their surviving families."

Additionally, spokesperson Kim Byung-min said, "Lee, who did not even properly apologize to the victim's family, showed a reluctant apology like 'crocodile tears' when public opinion worsened during the election," and added, "It is questionable whether Lee, who lacks not only common sense but also the minimum empathy, possesses the basic qualifications to manage national affairs."

Chief spokesperson Lee Yang-su targeted Lee's remark that "all crime victims would feel wronged," arguing, "His statement clearly shows a lack of empathy that neither sympathizes with the pain of the victims' families nor aligns with public sentiment."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is answering questions from the co-chairs at the launch ceremony of the Gwangju Great Transformation Election Committee held on the 28th at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 24th, Lee stated, "One member of my family committed a serious dating violence crime in the past, but since the family could not afford to hire a lawyer, I was the only one in the family who could take on the defense." After this remark, the victim's family criticized in an interview with a media outlet, saying, "Calling a murder that destroyed a family 'dating violence' is unacceptable. There was no apology at the time of the incident, and to this day, we have never received an apology from Lee's family."

When controversy arose over Lee describing his nephew's brutal murder as a 'serious dating violence crime,' Lee immediately posted on his Facebook, saying, "I saw the victim's family's interview article late. I thought it was right to quickly convey my intentions and make them public, so I am posting here (on Facebook) despite the breach of etiquette," and added, "Once again, I sincerely apologize to the victim's family."

Lee also said, "I had no intention of hiding the incident by calling it dating violence," and "I fully understand the immeasurable pain caused by heinous crimes. I apologize for the hurt caused by my immature expression." He continued, "I also apologize for causing the painful memories to resurface because of me," and added, "Preventing such harm from happening again is my duty, and I will devote myself to this role with a lifelong commitment to making amends."