Lee Jae-myung Requests Trial Postponement Due to Presidential Campaign, but Court Denies

Lee Jae-myung, the representative of the Democratic Party of Korea and defendant in the Daejang-dong, Wirye, Baekhyeon-dong, and Seongnam FC cases, requested to postpone his trial in May due to his presidential campaign, but the court rejected this request.

The court denied Lee's postponement request, stating, "You have already delayed too much." This decision seems to take into account the numerous previous postponements of Lee's trial.

On the 8th, the 33rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (presided over by Lee Jin-kwan) made this decision while proceeding with the Daejang-dong trial involving Lee and former Democratic Party Policy Coordination Chief Jeong Jin-sang.

This trial is currently undergoing a renewal process as both the presiding judge and two associate judges were replaced during the regular judicial personnel reshuffle in February.

The court completed the trial renewal process on this day and designated May 13 and 27 as additional court dates. In response, Lee's side requested a change in the dates, stating, "The 27th is a week before the presidential election, which is during the campaign period."

When the prosecution opposed, stating, "It’s better to proceed with the trial as scheduled," Lee's side argued, "The presidential election schedule is not just a personal matter for the defendant."

"When a schedule is set, we should receive approval and withdraw."

When the court asked about specific schedules, Lee's representatives replied, "It hasn’t been finalized yet, but there are many election-related events that need to be communicated to the public, such as debates."

The court instructed, "Once a specific schedule is set, submit the relevant documents to the court and obtain prior approval if necessary,” deciding to designate the dates as planned. The court will proceed as scheduled but left open the possibility of granting permission based on the circumstances if a request for absence is submitted.

"Once a specific schedule is set, submit the relevant documents to the court and obtain prior approval if necessary."

Meanwhile, with the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, the date for the 21st presidential election has been confirmed as June 3.

The official campaign period runs from May 12 to June 2. Lee plans to resign from his party leadership position on the 9th to officially launch his presidential campaign.

Image source: Lee Jae-myung, representative of the Democratic Party of Korea / News1.