Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea’s Democratic Party and a prominent opposition figure, was indicted on Tuesday, November 19, for allegedly misusing more than 100 million won (US$71,900) of public funds during his tenure as governor of Gyeonggi Province from 2018 to 2021.
The indictment, filed by the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office, adds another layer of legal trouble to Lee, who is already embroiled in four other trials, including those tied to a billion-dollar property development scandal.
The latest allegations claim that Lee improperly used taxpayers’ money for personal expenses, including meals, groceries, and laundry services for his family, while falsely documenting them as costs related to government operations. Further accusations state that Lee authorized the use of a government vehicle for personal purposes by his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, under the guise of official usage.
This new development has heightened tensions in South Korea’s political landscape, sparking debates about the accountability of public officials and its potential impact on Lee’s political future.
According to the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office, Lee’s alleged misuse of public funds amounted to 106 million won. The charges include breach of trust, a serious crime under South Korean law that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison or a fine of 30 million won.
Prosecutors argue that the funds in question were misappropriated during Lee’s tenure as governor of Gyeonggi Province, just south of Seoul. Among the alleged infractions are:
Personal expenses disguised as official costs: Public funds were reportedly used for high-end meals, groceries, and laundry services, which were then documented as expenses for government meetings or overtime pay for employees.
Misuse of government vehicles: Lee allegedly approved the use of a government car for his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, labeling the trips as official business despite being private in nature.
The Suwon prosecutors’ office declined to comment on the charges when approached.
The indictment comes as Lee, 59, remains one of South Korea’s most polarizing political figures. Having narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon Suk Yeol, Lee is considered a strong contender for the 2027 race. However, the mounting legal cases against him could undermine his political ambitions.
Lee is currently facing trials for bribery, corruption, and other charges linked to a controversial property development project worth approximately US$1 billion. In addition, he was recently convicted of violating election law and handed a suspended one-year prison sentence.
Should Lee be found guilty of the breach of trust charges and receive a fine of at least 1 million won or a prison sentence, it would disqualify him from holding public office or running for elections for five years, a severe blow to his political career.
The Democratic Party, which Lee leads, has strongly criticized the indictment, labeling it as politically motivated. In a statement, the party described the charges as “farfetched” and part of a “scheme to kill the president’s political foe.”
Lee himself has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, framing the ongoing investigations as politically charged attacks by the ruling People Power Party and its allies in the judiciary.
“This is not just an attack on me; it is an attack on democracy and the opposition,” Lee said in a statement earlier this year regarding similar allegations.
The People Power Party (PPP), however, argues that the indictment underscores serious questions about Lee’s qualifications for public office. A PPP spokesperson remarked, “These allegations show a troubling pattern of misusing public resources for personal gain. South Koreans deserve leaders who uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
The indictment also comes amid rising public discontent with corruption scandals involving high-profile politicians, further polarizing an already divided electorate.
The legal woes extend to Lee’s wife, Kim Hye-kyung, who was fined 1.5 million won last week for violating election law. The court found that she had used provincial funds to host a meal for the spouses of politicians after Lee declared his presidential candidacy in 2021.
Kim’s conviction has added to the scrutiny surrounding the couple, casting doubts on their ethical standards.
For Lee, the stakes are higher. A conviction with a substantial penalty would not only derail his political career but also tarnish his party’s reputation ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.
The case highlights a broader issue in South Korean politics: the recurrent allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds among high-ranking officials. South Korea has witnessed numerous scandals in recent decades, with politicians from both major parties implicated in bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power.
The perception of widespread corruption has eroded public trust in political institutions. Recent surveys indicate that a significant portion of South Koreans believe the political establishment prioritizes self-interest over public service.
Efforts to address corruption have included stricter transparency laws and enhanced whistleblower protections, but critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent.
Lee’s legal team is expected to mount a vigorous defense, arguing that the allegations lack merit and are politically motivated. Analysts suggest that the trial could take months, if not years, given the complexity of the charges and Lee’s high-profile status.
In the meantime, the Democratic Party faces a tough balancing act: supporting its embattled leader while preparing for key elections.
