Suwon: Lee Jae Myung's trial on charges of misusing public funds has been postponed by a district court, marking the third such delay in recent weeks. The Suwon District Court announced Tuesday that the trial proceedings will be on hold indefinitely, with no new date set for the next hearing.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the court cited the necessity for President Lee to focus on his constitutional responsibilities and ensure the continuity of state affairs as the rationale behind the suspension. The trial will remain paused until a new date is determined for the proceedings to resume.
The court's decision comes amid discussions about the possibility of postponing the fourth preparatory session, given that the Constitution shields a sitting president from criminal indictment, except in cases of treason or insurrection. Lee was elected president last month, adding complexity to the legal proceedings.
The court clarified that the Criminal Procedure Code distinguishes between preparatory proceedings and the main trial, indicating that suspending the main trial does not automatically imply a suspension of the preparatory phase.
Lee faces charges of embezzling 106.5 million won (approximately US$77,800) from the Gyeonggi provincial government during his tenure as governor from 2018 to 2021. This sum was allegedly used to cover expenses for food and other goods.
In addition to this case, two other trials involving Lee were suspended last month following his election. These include charges of violating election laws and corruption related to a large-scale development project. Another separate trial concerning an alleged illegal remittance to North Korea is still pending the commencement of preparatory proceedings.