Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended the second trial sentencing hearing for charges of violating the Public Official Election Act held at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 26th.
Around 1:50 PM that day, Lee arrived at the Seoul High Court without making any particular statement. Dozens of Democratic Party lawmakers greeted him in front of the court. When reporters asked, "Please say a few words before the sentencing," Lee briefly replied, "Let's do it after it's over."
Additionally, when asked questions such as "If the appeal is dismissed, will you immediately consider filing a further appeal?" and "The sentencing will be before the presidential impeachment trial; what is your position on this?" he remained reserved and headed into the court.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the second trial sentencing hearing for charges of violating the Public Official Election Act at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on March 26, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps
Previously, the first trial court sentenced Lee to one year in prison with a two-year probation at the end of last year. On this day, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 6-2 (Presiding Judge Choi Eun-jung) began the second trial sentencing for Lee, who is accused of false statement publication under the Public Official Election Act, starting at 2 PM.
If Lee receives the same verdict as the first trial or a fine of 1 million won or more in the second trial, and the Supreme Court's final ruling is confirmed, he will lose his position as a member of the National Assembly.
On the other hand, if he receives a sentence of less than 1 million won or is acquitted in the second trial, it is expected that some of the judicial risks surrounding Lee will be alleviated.
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