A Process That Usually Takes 2 to 3 Months,
Completed Twice in Just 3 Days
The Supreme Court, which is reviewing the violation of the Public Official Election Act case involving former Democratic Party leader Lee Jaemyung, will convene the full bench once again on April 24. The Supreme Court is moving at an unusually rapid pace, holding two hearings within just three days of referring the case to the full bench.
Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jaemyung is attending the continued first trial hearing on the 'Daejangdong breach of trust and Seongnam FC bribery charges' held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on April 22, 2025. Photo by Jo Yongjun
On this day, the Supreme Court will hold the second continued hearing for Lee's case, reviewing the case and examining the key issues.
On April 22, the Supreme Court initially assigned the case to a small panel of four justices, but Chief Justice Cho Heedae immediately referred it to the full bench. The first hearing was held on the day of referral, and a continued hearing was scheduled just two days later.
The full bench typically meets once a month, on the third Thursday of each month. However, additional sessions can be scheduled at any time. The regular full bench session for this month already took place last week. Legal experts note that a process that usually takes two to three months has been completed in just three days.
This unusually swift pace by the Supreme Court appears to reflect Chief Justice Cho Heedae's commitment to resolving 'trial delays.' Chief Justice Cho has particularly emphasized adherence to the '6-3-3 principle' stipulated in the Public Official Election Act, which requires election law trials to be completed within six months for the first trial and three months each for the second and third trials.
According to this principle, the Supreme Court's ruling must be delivered by June 26. However, since the presidential election is scheduled for June 3, some analysts suggest that the ruling could in fact be delivered before that date.
At the first full bench hearing on April 22, it is reported that Presiding Justice Park Youngjae, based on the review by the judicial research officer, explained the case overview and discussed the general procedures and key issues with fellow justices.
On the same day, a decision was made to grant Supreme Court Justice Noh Taeak, who serves as the chairperson of the National Election Commission, his request for recusal. As a result, Chief Justice Cho and 12 justices, excluding the head of the National Court Administration, who leads judicial administration, will participate in the review of this case.
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