Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Byeong-jin sentenced to a fine of 7 million won in first trial… facing possible disqualification

Lee Byeong-jin, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, was sentenced in the first trial for failing to report part of his asset details during the 22nd National Assembly election.

On the 2nd, the Pyeongtaek branch of the Suwon District Court, presided over by Judge Shin Jeong-il, held a sentencing hearing for Lee's violation of the Public Official Election Act and imposed a fine of 7 million won.

The court also ordered a fine of 5 million won for violations of the Act on the Registration of Real Estate under Actual Names (Real Name Act).

According to the current Public Official Election Act, if an elected official receives a confirmed sentence of more than 1 million won in fines, their election is nullified, resulting in the loss of their position.

The court stated, "A member of the National Assembly holds a significant position with the authority and responsibility to represent the entire nation," and emphasized, "(Despite this) the defendant cannot evade responsibility for committing each of the offenses."

Furthermore, it added, "(The defendant's actions) are not mere omissions of assets, but illegal acts that violate current laws," and noted, "Moreover, considerations were given to the defendant's attempts to influence or contact individuals related to the case during the investigation process."

Earlier, he was prosecuted for failing to report a 500 million won mortgage on the land located in Sinbong-ri, Yeongin-myeon, Asan-si, South Chungcheong Province, as well as his stock holdings to the National Election Commission during the April 10 general election.

Image source: Lee Byeong-jin, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, questioning Kim Kwon-jae, head of the Rural Development Administration, regarding bee colony deaths during the audit of the Rural Development Administration on October 11 last year at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul / News1