Attorney Jeon Gwang-hoon: "Made Supportive Remarks but Not Electioneering"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, chairman of the Korea Christian Federation, who was detained and indicted on charges of appealing for support for a specific political party at the Gwanghwamun rally, broadly denied the charges at the first trial.

At the first pretrial hearing held on the 9th at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 34 (Presiding Judge Heo Seon-ah), Pastor Jeon's lawyer stated, "It is true that he made supportive remarks, but only a few were selectively edited from the numerous statements made by the defendant," adding, "The judgment should be made by considering the overall intent and context, so we will submit the full transcript containing all statements."

Pastor Jeon's side also argued, "The act was neither active nor planned, and considering the subsequent series of events, the defendant's actions do not constitute election campaigning," and "Since the supported party was not specified, it is not a violation of the Public Official Election Act legally."

Regarding the defamation charges, they claimed, "The parts the prosecution pointed out are expressions of opinion, not factual statements," and "All the underlying facts are true, and broad criticism of the president should be allowed, so defamation does not apply."

Since the defendant was not obligated to attend the pretrial hearing, Pastor Jeon did not appear in court that day.

Pastor Jeon is accused of conducting preliminary election campaigning by repeatedly making statements at rallies in Gwanghwamun Square before the general election, urging support for the Liberty Korea Party and other right-wing parties in the 21st National Assembly election.

The prosecution added defamation charges, stating that Pastor Jeon made remarks such as "The president is a spy" and "The president attempted to communistize the Republic of Korea" at the rally, thereby damaging President Moon Jae-in's honor.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.