Lee Jae-myung Appears at Daejang-dong Trial: "Prosecutors Abused Investigation and Prosecution Rights, Leading to Resentment"

Lee "Unfair Situation of Not Being Able to Focus on Election as Leader of the Main Opposition Party"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed frustration that he is unable to fully concentrate on the election due to his schedule of attending court hearings.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is expressing his position as he attends the trial related to allegations involving Daejang-dong, Baekhyeon-dong, and Seongnam FC at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

On the 2nd, while attending court, Lee said, "This is the result of the prosecution dictatorship and political prosecutors abusing their investigative and prosecutorial powers," adding, "It is truly unfair and regrettable that, as the leader of the main opposition party, I am unable to focus on an election that determines the fate of the nation."

Lee attended the trial related to the Daejang-dong, Seongnam FC, and Baekhyeon-dong cases involving charges of breach of trust and bribery, held at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 33 (Presiding Judge Kim Dong-hyun).

Lee stated, "The official election campaign period is 13 days, but I have to attend court for three of those days," and added, "I hope our party members, supporters, and the public will understand my feelings of not being able to fully perform my role as the leader of the main opposition party during this critical time."

He continued, "I earnestly ask that you take on an even greater role to cover for the parts I am unable to fulfill."

Earlier, on the 29th of last month, Lee requested a change of the trial date, saying, "Please change the date to at least the day before the general election," but the court rejected the request, stating, "It would be seen as preferential treatment."