A court has been decided to hear the case of Lee Jae-myeong, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was indicted on charges of misappropriating a Gyeonggi-do corporate card for personal use.
According to the legal community on the 21st, the Suwon District Court assigned the case of CEO Lee’s alleged breach of trust to Criminal Division 5 (Chief Judge Gong Hyun-jin).
The crime of breach of trust in business is punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won, so the minimum statutory penalty is 1 year in prison or less, and in principle, it is a case handled by a single court.
However, at the judge’s request, there is the possibility that it will be allocated to a collegial panel consisting of three judges after a financial agreement is decided.
According to the established rules regarding the division of work and case allocation for judges, etc., among single-trial cases, ▲cases with complex facts or issues, ▲cases with significant impact on society, etc. can be heard by the collegial division through a financial agreement.
Previously, the Suwon District Court assigned the case of the person responsible for the fire, including Aricell CEO Park Soon-gwan, in which 23 workers died, to a single department, and then reassigned it to the joint department after a financial agreement.
On the 19th, the prosecution indicted CEO Lee without detention on charges of misappropriating budget funds, including Gyeonggi-do corporate credit cards, for personal use. In addition, Mr. A, the chief secretary at the time when Representative Lee was the governor of Gyeonggi Province, and Mr. Bae, a former special civil servant at the Gyeonggi Provincial Office and a personal attendant of Representative Lee’s wife, Kim Hye-kyung, were also brought to trial on the same charges.
Representative Lee and others are suspected of using the Gyeonggi Province corporate card for personal use, such as purchasing fruit and sandwiches or paying laundry fees, from July 2018 to October 2021. There are also charges that the Genesis, a Gyeonggi Province official car, was parked at Lee’s home and used for purposes other than official duties.
The amount useful during this period is estimated at 106.53 million won for Representative Lee, 88.43 million won for Mr. A, and 137.39 million won for Mr. Bae.
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What are the potential legal consequences for Lee Jae-myeong if found guilty of misappropriating funds?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have an important topic to discuss involving Lee Jae-myeong, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. As we’ve seen in recent news, he has been indicted on serious charges of misappropriating funds. We have with us Dr. Kim Ji-ho, a legal expert specializing in corporate ethics and criminal law. Thank you for being here, Dr. Kim.
Dr. Kim Ji-ho (DJ): Thank you for having me.
TNE: To start, could you summarize the charges against Lee Jae-myeong and why they are so significant in the political landscape?
DJ: Certainly. Lee Jae-myeong has been indicted for allegedly misusing Gyeonggi-do corporate credit cards for personal expenses, which, according to the law, constitutes a breach of trust. He and others are accused of using these funds to purchase items like fruit and sandwiches, and even for laundry fees. The total amount misappropriated is estimated to exceed 330 million won collectively for him and his associates. This is significant not just legally, but politically, as it raises questions about ethical governance, accountability, and public trust.
TNE: How does the legal process typically unfold for a case of this nature in South Korea?
DJ: In South Korea, the process begins when a case is assigned to a court, in this instance, the Suwon District Court. Initially, it can be heard by a single judge unless its complexity or societal impact necessitates a panel of judges. The court will first review the evidence presented by the prosecution. If it goes to trial and Lee is found guilty, the penalties could range up to 10 years in prison or hefty fines. However, since he has been indicted without detention, there may still be avenues for appeal or negotiations.
TNE: You mentioned potential sentences. Given the charges, how might societal impact influence the court’s deliberation?
DJ: The potential for higher societal impact means that the court might consider not only the legality of Lee’s actions but also their fallout on public trust in government and institutions. That’s crucial in a politically charged atmosphere. South Korean courts often face pressure to ensure that justice is served in a way that resonates with public sentiment, particularly with high-profile figures like Lee.
TNE: Speaking of public sentiment, how might this incident affect Lee Jae-myeong’s political future and the Democratic Party of Korea?
DJ: The ramifications could be severe. Should the charges lead to a conviction, it could diminish Lee’s influence within the party and his prospects for future leadership roles. Moreover, it could weaken the Democratic Party of Korea, especially if voters perceive a pattern of misconduct. On the other hand, if he’s acquitted, it could bolster his standing, framing him as a victim of political persecution. The party’s unity and response to this scandal will be equally crucial in shaping the political narrative going forward.
TNE: It sounds like a delicate balancing act. what do you see as the broader implications of this case for political accountability in South Korea?
DJ: This case underscores a pivotal moment for political accountability in South Korea. With increased scrutiny on leaders’ conduct, it’s essential for citizens to advocate for transparency and ethical governance. How the judicial system handles this case could set precedents for future misconduct allegations. It could either reinforce trust in the legal system or, conversely, contribute to public disillusionment if perceived as ineffectual.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Kim. Your insights into the legal and political ramifications of this case are invaluable. We’ll be following this story closely.
DJ: Thank you for having me.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for joining us today. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.