Outrage over Lee Jaemyung Retrial Order... "The President Will Be Chosen by the People"

Kang Gijeong, Gwangju Mayor: "Judiciary's Verdicts Are Unpredictable"
Kim Youngrok, Jeollanam-do Governor: "Supreme Court Accused of Election Interference"

Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City

On May 1, in response to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the acquittal in the second trial and remand the case for a retrial with a guilty verdict for Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate who was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act, Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, and Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, both expressed their disappointment.

Immediately after the Supreme Court ruling, Mayor Kang stated on his Facebook page, "The judiciary's trial results are unpredictable. The first, second, and third trials are all different each time."

He went on to emphasize, "The future of the Republic of Korea will be decided by the people through their votes."

Kim Youngrok Jeonnam Governor

Governor Kim also commented on the same day, saying, "The moment I heard the Supreme Court's order to remand the case, I could not believe my ears," and criticized, "This is not just a speedy trial, but a lightning-fast trial done in a rush."

He continued, "With the 6·3 presidential election just around the corner, the Supreme Court's decision to remand the case is a political ruling that amounts to election interference, aiming to maximize its impact on the election," adding, "The judiciary has left a blemish by intervening in politics. The people will make a wise judgment."