South Korean Court Acquits Opposition Leader

South Korean Appeals Court Acquits Opposition Leader Lee Jae-myung, Boosting His Presidential Prospects

An appeals court in South Korea has overturned a lower court ruling that found Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the country’s main opposition Democratic Party, guilty of violating election laws. The initial verdict had raised concerns about his political future, including his eligibility to run for president.

With this reversal, Lee's path remains open for a potential presidential bid in the upcoming elections. The court’s decision is expected to significantly strengthen his position within the party and South Korea’s political landscape.

South Korea’s main opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, expressed relief after an appeals court overturned his conviction for making false claims about a land development project during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam in 2021.

Last year, the Seoul Central District Court had sentenced Lee to one year in prison, suspended for two years, ruling that he provided false information during a parliamentary audit. The verdict had threatened his chances of contesting the next presidential election.

However, the appeals court dismissed the ruling, clearing Lee of the charges. Speaking to supporters outside the court, Lee welcomed the decision, saying, "I am grateful to the court for making a sound judgment based on truth and justice." He criticized the government, accusing it of "wasting public resources" on the case.

"It is truly outrageous that so much energy and national resources were spent on what was clearly an obvious outcome," he added.

Meanwhile, if South Korea’s Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol—triggered by his controversial martial law declaration last December—the country could face a snap presidential election within 60 days.