Seoul: The Seoul High Court announced Monday that it has once more postponed the retrial of President Lee Jae-myung on charges related to election law violations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the initial hearing, which was set for June 18, has been delayed to an unspecified future date. This decision aligns with Article 84 of the Constitution, which protects a sitting president from criminal prosecution, except in cases involving insurrection or treason.
Lee assumed the presidency on June 3 following the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faced impeachment over his failed attempt to impose martial law in December. The Seoul High Court had earlier postponed Lee's first hearing from May 15 to ensure he had a "fair electioneering opportunity" during his candidacy.
The retrial follows the Supreme Court's decision in May to remand the case. The high court had previously acquitted Lee of a suspended prison sentence tied to allegedly false statements he made before the 2022 presidential election.