Discussion Anticipated on Impeachment of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Due to Decision in Lee Jae-myung's Case
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Amidst the heated presidential race, South Korea's Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae is all set to announce the Supreme Court's verdict on the retrial of Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, who finds himself embroiled in a public election law violation case. This highly anticipated ruling, set to drop on May 1, 2025, overturns Lee's prior acquittal [1][2][4].
The Grand Bench of the Supreme Court, in a 10-2 majority decision, ruled that the Seoul High Court had misconstrued legal principles under Article 250 of the Public Official Election Act, thus ordering a retrial [1][4]. The opposition candidate was accused of disseminating false information during a December 2021 televised interview, where he denied any ties to Kim Moon-ki, a deceased official linked to a land corruption scandal during Lee's tenure as Seongnam mayor [1][4].
The unfolding development adds another layer of uncertainty to Lee's campaign ahead of the June 3 presidential election. Despite the increased legal risks, he remains eligible to run, as no final conviction has been issued [4][2]. The ruling has sparked disagreement within the judiciary, with Justices Lee Heung-gu and Oh Kyung-mi arguing that Lee’s remarks did not constitute a criminal offense, reflecting a split in interpretations [4].
As the Democratic Party grapples with the court's decision, they have called for an emergency meeting to discuss potential responses, including impeachment motions against Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae. However, no formal action has been confirmed at this time [5]. The chaotic turn of events has fueled speculation and tension in the lead-up to South Korea's presidential election, adding another twist to this already intense race.
- The news headlines are abuzz with the upcoming Supreme Court verdict on Lee Jae-myung's retrial, a political issue that has caught the nation's attention.
- The opposition candidate, Lee Jae-myung, is facing a retrial over an election law violation, following a 10-2 majority decision by the Supreme Court that overturned his prior acquittal.
- The politics surrounding this case have stirred controversy, with Grand Justice Cho Hee-dae headed for a significant decision that could shape the outcome of South Korea's upcoming presidential election.
- Given the split in interpretations within the judiciary, the ruling on Lee Jae-myung's case has prompted calls for an emergency meeting among the Democratic Party to discuss potential responses, including impeachment motions against Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae.
- As news1 covers the latest developments in South Korea's policy-and-legislation, general-news focus will continue to follow the hearing, uncertain of the political impact the retrial verdict may have on the presidential race.
