Democratic Party: 8 out of 10 Appeal in 'Fast-Track Clash' Case... Prosecution Drops Appeal

Most current and former members of the Democratic Party of Korea who received fines or suspended sentences in connection with the 'National Assembly Fast-Track Clash' case will face a judgment in the appellate court.

Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office.

According to the Seoul Southern District Court on December 26, as of 1:00 p.m. on this day, 8 out of 10 Democratic Party defendants who stood trial for this case have filed appeals. Assemblyman Park Jumin, former Assemblyman Lee Jongkul, and Kim Byungwook, Secretary to the President for Political Affairs, have submitted notices of appeal, while Assemblyman Park Beomgye and former Assemblyman Pyo Changwon have not.

The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office stated, "After thorough review and discussion with the investigation team, trial team, and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, we have decided not to file an appeal against any of the defendants."

Previously, on December 19, the 12th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Jeonggon) suspended the imposition of a fine of 3 million won each for Assemblyman Park Beomgye and Assemblyman Park Jumin, who were indicted on charges including violation of the Act on the Punishment of Violent Acts (joint assault). A suspended sentence postpones the imposition of a penalty for a certain period, and if two years pass from the date of suspension, the punishment is effectively waived (acquittal). Kim Byungwook, Secretary to the President for Political Affairs, was fined 10 million won, while former Assemblyman Lee Jongkul was fined 5 million won. Former Assemblyman Pyo Changwon, aides, and party officials received fines ranging from 2 million to 3 million won.

The Fast-Track Clash occurred in April 2019, when the Democratic Party and the Liberty Korea Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) engaged in a fierce standoff and physical confrontation over whether to designate bills such as the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials and the introduction of a mixed-member proportional representation system as fast-track items.