Sim Sang-jung: "Lee Jae-myung Should Now Let Go of the 'Human Rights Lawyer' Title"

"Once, you said it was unavoidable because it was your nephew's matter, but will you say it was unavoidable the second time as well?"

Justice Party presidential candidate Sim Sang-jung is speaking at the Youth Justice Party Election Countermeasures Committee launch event held on the 28th at Gaon Stage in Mapo-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, criticized Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, regarding allegations that he defended not only his nephew in a past case but also the perpetrator in another murder case involving a dating partner, saying, "You said once that it was unavoidable because it was your nephew's case, but will you say it was unavoidable the second time as well?"

On the 28th, Sim posted on her Twitter, "Our citizens all know that working lawyers cannot choose their clients selectively," adding, "However, it seems you should now give up the title of 'human rights lawyer'."

Some media outlets reported that Lee had defended the perpetrator in another dating-related murder case involving a woman, aside from the previously known case. In response, Lee's camp explained, "At that time, the law office consisted of two lawyers, including the candidate," and "Since all cases handled by the law office were filed under the names of both lawyers, Lee's name was only listed on the documents for that case."

Meanwhile, controversy arose when it became known that Lee had defended his nephew in the 2006 'Gangdong-gu mother and daughter murder case.' He had argued for a reduced sentence citing the perpetrator nephew's diminished mental capacity. After this fact became public, Lee mentioned the case on the 24th, stating, "Dating violence is a serious crime that destroys everyone, and I will devise special measures."

However, some criticized that referring to a brutal criminal case as 'dating violence,' which might be perceived as relatively minor, was inappropriate.

In response, on the 26th, Lee stated, "There was no intention to conceal the case by using the term 'dating violence.' I fully understand the immeasurable pain caused by heinous crimes," adding, "I apologize for the hurt caused by my immature expression. Once again, I sincerely apologize to the victims' families."