Lee Jae-myeong, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was handed over to trial on the 19th on suspicion of misappropriating Gyeonggi-do corporate cards and faces five trials. However, two more prosecution investigations targeting Lee are currently underway. If the prosecution indicts both cases, Representative Lee could face seven trials simultaneously.
First, Seongnam Branch Criminal Division 3 (Chief Prosecutor Kang Seong-gi) is investigating allegations of preferential treatment from Seongnam City related to a hotel in Jeongja-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. The main point is the suspicion that CEO Lee caused damage to Seongnam City by continuing to provide preferential support, such as change of use, to the hotel development project, which was promoted with a project cost of 200 billion won, when he was serving as mayor of Seongnam. The prosecution began its investigation in earnest in June last year, seizing and searching the developer who promoted the construction of the hotel and Seongnam City Hall. The investigation was at a standstill for a time due to reasons such as the April 10 general election, but it is known that the newly reorganized investigation team reexamined the investigation records after the prosecution’s reshuffle in the first half of this year and resumed the investigation.
Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office Criminal Division 6 (Chief Prosecutor Seo Hyun-wook) is investigating CEO Lee’s ‘suspicion of split sponsorship.’ Former Ssangbangwool Chairman Kim Seong-tae said at the trial of former Gyeonggi-do Deputy Governor Lee Hwa-young on charges of illegal remittance to North Korea in August last year, “During the 2021 Democratic Party presidential candidate primary, I gave about 150 million won to the ‘Lee Jae-myung camp’ at the request of former Vice-Governor Lee.” The investigation began when he testified, “I sponsored it.” Former Deputy Governor Lee, an accomplice, was indicted on these charges in June of this year and is currently on trial.
Representative Lee, who is facing five trials on suspicion of misappropriating a corporate card, is also scheduled to be sentenced in the first trial on the 25th in a case on charges of inciting perjury in a trial related to so-called ‘impersonation of a prosecutor’. In the legal world, Kim Jin-seong (former Chief of Staff to Seongnam Mayor Kim Byeong-ryang), who is known to have been asked to give perjury by Representative Lee during the trial for impersonating a prosecutor, has confessed to the charge of perjury, so if Representative Lee is found guilty, there is a possibility that he will be sentenced to prison. There is a prospect that there is. Representative Lee is denying all charges related to the cases under investigation or trial, including the suspicion of developing a hotel in Jeongja-dong and the suspicion of perjury.
Reporter Koo Min-ki [email protected]
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What are the key allegations against Lee Jae-myeong that could impact his political career?
Time.news Interview: The Political Storm Surrounding Lee Jae-myeong
Editor: Good morning and welcome to our special segment. Today, we delve into one of South Korea’s most prominent political figures, Lee Jae-myeong, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. We have with us Dr. Kim Han-soo, a political analyst and an expert in Korean politics, to shed light on the ongoing legal troubles faced by Lee. Dr. Kim, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Lee Jae-myeong has recently been handed over for trial regarding several serious allegations, including misappropriation of corporate cards. Can you elaborate on the implications of these charges for him and the Democratic Party?
Dr. Kim: Certainly. Lee faces five trials related to various allegations, with potential for additional charges looming. Misappropriating corporate cards, particularly while in public service, poses significant ethical questions that can erode public trust in him and the Democratic Party as a whole. If he is found guilty, it could lead to substantial political capital loss for the party.
Editor: You mentioned that there are investigations underway that could bring the total to seven trials. What are these additional allegations about?
Dr. Kim: One of the key investigations centers around allegations of preferential treatment in relation to a hotel development project in Seongnam, a city he previously served as mayor. The project has significant financial implications—approximately 200 billion won. There are claims that he provided undue support that may have harmed the interests of Seongnam City.
Editor: That certainly raises eyebrows. But beyond the corporate card allegations, there are accusations regarding ‘split sponsorship’ tied to North Korean remittances. How does that add to the gravity of the situation?
Dr. Kim: The so-called ‘split sponsorship’ accusation is particularly serious. It suggests potential corruption where Lee’s camp allegedly received illegal funds during the 2021 presidential primary campaign. Given South Korea’s sensitive political climate surrounding North Korea, any association with those funds could severely damage his reputation and credibility, further complicating his legal battles.
Editor: His upcoming trial regarding charges of inciting perjury also seems pivotal. What do you foresee as the potential outcomes of this case, especially given that one of his former aides has already confessed to perjury?
Dr. Kim: This case is crucial for Lee. If convicted, he not only risks prison time but it could also set a precedent for accountability among politicians in South Korea. It may also embolden further legal scrutiny of his actions. If the public perceives him as untrustworthy, it could lead to significant ramifications for his political future and the party’s overall standing.
Editor: And how is Lee Jae-myeong responding to these allegations?
Dr. Kim: Lee maintains his innocence and denies all charges. His narrative is one of political persecution, claiming that these cases are attempts to undermine his leadership and the party. This defense may resonate with his supporters, but as the legal proceedings unfold, the public sentiment could shift dramatically.
Editor: As we wrap up, what advice would you provide to our viewers about the implications of this situation, both politically and socially?
Dr. Kim: It’s essential for the public to remain informed and engaged. This situation raises significant questions about accountability and ethics in politics. It’s also a critical moment for South Korea’s democratic integrity. Observers should watch how the legal outcomes influence the political landscape and voter sentiment in the upcoming elections.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for sharing your insights. It’s undoubtedly a turbulent time for Lee Jae-myeong and the Democratic Party, and we appreciate your expertise on the matter.
Dr. Kim: Thank you. It was a pleasure to discuss these pressing issues.