South Korea’s Supreme Court Gives Lee Jae‑Myung a Freedom Pass
In an unexpected twist that could shuffle the presidential race, the Supreme Court of South Korea pulled the plug on an abuse‑of‑power conviction that once threatened to derail the ambitions of one of the country’s most popular liberal leaders.
What went wrong?
Back in 2019, Lee Jae‑Myung—the governor of the influential Gyeonggi province—was caught in a legal snafu. He faced a 3‑million‑won (about $3,500) fine for allegedly trying to ship his brother into a psychiatric ward in 2012 and for misrepresenting that plea in court. According to South Korean law, that penalty bars him from running for public office.
The Supreme Court’s Verdict
Chief Justice Kim Myeong‑su stepped in on Thursday with a thought‑provoking decision. He declared that the remarks Lee made about his brother during a 2018 election debate were a response to a rival’s question—not an official policy statement. In other words, the court agreed that it’s not democratic to clamp down on what politicians say at a debate.
- Kim noted Lee’s comments were “actively and unilaterally depriving of facts” regardless of the debate’s topic.
- Thus, the court declared the statement was not a “public act” that should be subject to state regulation.
Lee’s Reaction
Published on his Facebook page, Lee thanked the top court in a tone that’s all sincerity and a dash of optimism:
“You have reaffirmed the faith that fake cannot defeat the truth,” Lee wrote. “I just realized how lucky I am to even be able to breathe here.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to keep doing my work.” 😃
Will He Keep the Presidency on the Line?
Lee, a former human‑rights lawyer turned political firebrand, has routinely been polling as the leading contender among liberal frontrunners for the 2022 presidential election. He’s consistently ranked second behind other hopefuls—and that could change the political landscape.
With President Moon Jae‑in having won the 2017 spot, South Korea is all set for a new 5‑year term. The Supreme Court’s decision could give Lee the breathing space he needs to chase that next five‑year stretch.
Key Takeaway
Thanks to a surprise legal intervention, Lee Jae‑Myung has a renewed chance to keep the presidential race exciting. Only time will tell whether his campaign gains the boost it deserves, but for now, the legal hurdle has been cleared—and that’s a story worth following.
