Reform New Party on Lee Jae-myung's First Trial Disqualification Sentence: "Judicial Risk Is Just Beginning"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year suspended sentence, resulting in the loss of his parliamentary seat in the first trial of a violation of the Public Official Election Act. In response, the Reform New Party evaluated, "Leader Lee Jae-myung's judicial risk is just beginning."

Kim Seong-yeol, chief spokesperson of the Reform New Party, stated in a commentary immediately after the first trial verdict on the afternoon of the 15th, "We pay tribute to the judiciary of the Republic of Korea for delivering a principled judgment despite all kinds of pressure and judicial obstruction," expressing this view.

Earlier, the Criminal Division 34 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Han Seong-jin) sentenced Leader Lee to one year in prison with a two-year suspended sentence. The court stated, "The guilt and crime are quite serious," adding, "While freedom of expression must be recognized during the election process, it is also necessary to consider that the dissemination of false information can distort the will of the people."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is accused of spreading false information under the Public Official Election Act, is leaving the courtroom after attending the first trial sentencing hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 15th. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Chief Spokesperson Kim raised his voice, saying, "This verdict confirmed the independence of the judiciary and at the same time proved that justice still lives in the Republic of Korea."

He said, "Although the sentence is somewhat heavier than public expectations, the dissemination of false information aimed at winning an election is a serious crime that threatens the foundation of democracy, and since Leader Lee Jae-myung has a prior record of similar offenses, we respect the court's judgment."

He also emphasized, "Now, Leader Lee and the Democratic Party must apologize to the people and humbly accept the court's judgment," adding, "Leader Lee's judicial risk is just beginning."