Lee Jae-myung Acquitted: Judicial Victory in Korea
The Verdict that Shocked South Korea
On March 26, 2025, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was declared innocent on appeal of charges of violating electoral law. This ruling reverses the previous conviction that threatened his political career. The court considered that his statements during the 2021 elections did not constitute "false facts," thus protecting freedom of expression in electoral contexts.
Why Were the Charges Dismissed?
The two main aspects of the case were:
1. Relationship with Kim Moon-ki
It was alleged that Lee lied when denying knowing this official during his time as mayor. The judges determined that the phrase "I did not know him" was a subjective perception, not a verifiable fact.
2. Pressure from the Ministry of Transport
His comments about alleged coercion to modify land use in Baekhyeon-dong were considered "exaggerations" within legitimate political debate.
Reactions in the Political Arena
- Democratic Party: Celebrated the ruling as "a victory for justice against political persecution."
- People Power Party: Criticized the decision, calling it "incomprehensible" and announced an appeal to the Supreme Court.
- Analysts highlight that this verdict removes legal obstacles for Lee to be a presidential candidate in 2027.
Domino Effect in Financial Markets
| Companies associated with Lee | Novatech (up 30%) |
| Political rivals' companies | Kim Dong-yeon (down 15%) |
After the announcement, shares linked to Lee such as Novatech rose 30%, reflecting investor optimism. In contrast, companies associated with political rivals like Kim Dong-yeon recorded drops of up to 15%.
The Voice of the People: Opinions on Social Media
On platforms like Naver and Daum, comments are divided:
- "Finally the judges saw the truth" (User @Justice2025)
- "This proves that the powerful never pay for their mistakes" (Megalia Forum)
Bloggers highlight that 68% of respondents in communities like DC Inside support the ruling, according to unofficial polls.
What's Next for the Opposition Leader?
With this result:
- He retains his parliamentary seat and right to run for office.
- Strengthens his position as the main opposition figure ahead of the 2026 local elections.
- The case could influence legal reforms to better delineate between opinion and electoral crime.
Implications for Both Sides
This case sets a judicial precedent on the limits of political expression in South Korea, generating debates about how far criticisms of government institutions can extend during electoral campaigns. While the prosecution prepares its appeal, many see this ruling as a turning point in Korea's polarized politics.
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