"Lee Jae-myung, Leader of the Democratic Party, Should Now Step Down and Quietly Go Home"

The People Power Party of the Seoul Metropolitan Council issued a statement on the 15th regarding the first trial verdict of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, titled "Relieved by the verdict of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, for violation of the Public Official Election Act; now is the time to step down and quietly go home."

Lee Hyo-won, spokesperson for the People Power Party of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, stated on the day, "The Seoul Central District Court on the 15th sentenced Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, accused of violating the Public Official Election Act, to one year in prison with a two-year suspension of execution. The court recognized all statements related to the late Kim Moon-gi, director of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation, and Baekhyeon-dong as false facts."

He added, "We express respect to the court that delivered a just verdict on the repeated false statements and consistent denial by Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party of Korea, and we feel great relief that judicial justice is alive. From the perspective of city council members working with the executive branch and affiliated organizations, the sense of emptiness felt from the false testimonies has somewhat eased."

However, Lee Jae-myung immediately announced his intention to appeal. Although it is said that one's mind changes upon entering and leaving the restroom, he had stated before the verdict that he would respect the trial result, but now claims the verdict is difficult to accept.

In fact, this reaction was exactly expected. If he admits to the lies accumulated so far, it would be an admission that his entire life is a lie, so now he cannot step back.

Lee Jae-myung also said, "If you judge based on common sense and justice, the people can reach a conclusion." This is treating the people as fools. The people's common sense and justice mean that those who lie should be punished, and the court's verdict means not kneeling before power.

The Democratic Party has held outdoor rallies, claiming that no power can defeat the people. Despite repeated political provocations, we once again pay tribute to the court that delivered a fair verdict based on justice.

The verdict on the perjury coaching allegations against Lee Jae-myung is also scheduled for the 25th, ten days later. If there is any conscience left, it is time to step down from the leadership and quietly return home. The Democratic Party of Korea and Lee Jae-myung should show an "attitude based on common sense and justice" that the people can agree with, the statement concluded.