Seoul: The Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that it will deliver its ruling on the election law violation case involving Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung later this week. The decision is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Thursday and will be broadcast live, occurring just days after Lee secured victory in the DP's primary for the June 3 presidential election.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this announcement follows an appeal by prosecutors against a high court decision last month that acquitted Lee of charges related to false statements made during the 2022 presidential election. The high court had previously overturned a lower court's ruling that sentenced Lee to a suspended prison term. Responding to the court's announcement, Lee expressed his expectation for the proceedings to adhere to legal standards.
In the wake of the announcement, the Democratic Party's spokespersons have conveyed their hopes for a ruling that aligns with "common sense and reason." In contrast, the conservative People Power Party has emphasized the importance of a decision grounded in "common sense, justice, and legal principles."
The case presents a significant legal challenge for Lee, who is seen as a leading candidate in the forthcoming presidential election. The Supreme Court appears to be expediting the proceedings, as a conviction with a fine of 1 million won (US$697) or more would disqualify Lee from running for office.
This ruling will be delivered just 34 days after the Supreme Court received the case, markedly faster than the typical three-month period required for criminal case rulings in 2023. Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae has also determined that the court's full bench will oversee the case, with two sessions of deliberations already conducted.
The full bench is generally reserved for cases with significant societal impact or those necessitating changes to existing legal precedents. The court's decision will either affirm and finalize the high court's ruling or return the case to the lower court should any errors be identified.