Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, was convicted on Friday of violating election laws, receiving a one-year prison sentence suspended for two years. The ruling has significant implications for Lee’s political future, with potential consequences extending to his parliamentary seat and his eligibility to run in future elections, including the 2027 presidential race.
The Seoul Central District Court’s decision comes amidst heightened political tensions and ongoing legal challenges against Lee, who narrowly lost to President Yoon Suk Yeol in the 2022 presidential election.
The court found Lee guilty of making false statements during his 2021 presidential campaign, a violation of South Korea’s election laws. Specifically, Lee falsely denied his acquaintance with a key city official involved in a controversial land development project in Seongnam, a city where he served as mayor from 2010 to 2018.
The project has been mired in corruption allegations, with critics claiming it enriched private developers at the expense of public funds. Prosecutors argued that Lee’s statements misled the public during the critical election period, tarnishing the transparency of the democratic process.
Prosecutors had sought a two-year prison sentence, but the court opted for a lighter punishment—a one-year sentence suspended for two years. However, should the sentence or a fine exceeding one million won (US$710) be upheld on appeal, Lee would automatically lose his parliamentary seat and be barred from running for public office for five years.
Following the ruling, Lee expressed his intention to appeal, calling the court’s conclusion “difficult to accept.”
“I will be appealing. Beginning with the basic facts, it is a conclusion that is difficult to accept,” Lee stated outside the courthouse.
His supporters, many of whom had gathered outside the court to show their solidarity, greeted his arrival with chants of his name. Conversely, protesters also gathered to demand accountability, reflecting the polarized nature of South Korea’s political landscape.
This conviction is one of several legal battles Lee is currently facing. In addition to election law violations, he has been indicted on multiple charges, including bribery, corruption, and perjury, related to his tenure as Seongnam mayor.
The most controversial cases revolve around two major land development projects in Seongnam:
- Daejang-dong Development Scandal: Critics allege Lee enabled private developers to reap massive profits from the project while public interests suffered.
- Baekhyun-dong Development Project: This involves allegations of preferential treatment for developers connected to Lee.
Lee’s legal troubles have led to at least four trials, with another sentencing hearing on perjury charges scheduled later this month.
Lee’s conviction comes at a critical time for the Democratic Party and South Korea’s political scene. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Lee remains a central figure in opposition politics and is widely expected to run in the 2027 presidential election.
The Democratic Party has rallied behind its leader, accusing the Yoon administration of using the judiciary as a political weapon.
“This is a politically motivated case meant to weaken our party and silence dissent,” said a Democratic Party spokesperson in a statement.
The ruling party, however, has welcomed the court’s decision as a necessary step toward ensuring accountability in public office.
Lee Jae-myung has long been a polarizing figure in South Korean politics. Known for his fiery rhetoric and populist policies, he narrowly lost to Yoon Suk Yeol in the 2022 presidential election by less than a percentage point.
Despite his loss, Lee’s Democratic Party achieved a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections held in April 2023, dealing a significant blow to President Yoon’s ruling People Power Party. This victory cemented Lee’s status as a formidable opposition leader.
However, his legal troubles and the recent conviction have cast a shadow over his political career. If Lee is barred from running for office, it could reshape the 2027 presidential race and weaken the opposition’s ability to challenge the ruling party.
Lee’s supporters view him as a champion of the working class and a reformer willing to take on entrenched interests. His policies as Seongnam mayor, such as free school lunches and expanded welfare programs, earned him widespread praise among progressive voters.
Conversely, critics see Lee as a divisive figure who has failed to address allegations of corruption and misconduct. His political opponents argue that his conviction is proof of systemic issues in his leadership and governance style.
Lee’s tumultuous political career has not been limited to legal battles. In January 2023, he survived a knife attack at a public event, sustaining injuries to his neck. The incident underscored the intensity of political divisions in South Korea and highlighted the physical risks faced by public figures in the country’s heated political climate.
With the appeal process underway, Lee’s immediate focus will be on overturning the court’s decision. Legal experts suggest that the appeal could take months, if not years, to resolve.
If his conviction is upheld, it would mark a significant blow to his political ambitions, sidelining him during a crucial period leading up to the 2027 election. However, if the conviction is overturned, Lee could emerge politically strengthened, portraying himself as a victim of political persecution.
