The Democratic Party expresses "deep regret" over Jeon Gwang-hoon's acquittal, calling it a "verdict difficult to understand logically"

Jeon Gwang-hoon Acquitted in First Trial of Election Law Violation and Defamation of the President
Jeon Gwang-hoon: "South Korea Has Won"

Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act and defamation but was acquitted in the first trial, is speaking as he leaves the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu on the 30th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 30th, the ruling party expressed "deep regret" over the acquittal of Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church in the first trial, who was indicted for pre-election campaigning at a rally ahead of this year's April 15 general election.

Shin Young-dae, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said in a written briefing that day, "While the judiciary's judgment must be respected, it is a ruling that is utterly difficult to understand with common sense," and pointed out, "Pastor Jeon violated statutory laws and incited the public with false information."

He continued, "He did not hesitate to make statements such as calling the president a 'spy' and accusing him of attempting to turn South Korea into a communist state. This goes beyond irrationality and is at the level of unreasonableness; he should be seen more as a far-right politician than a religious figure," he criticized.

He added, "Pastor Jeon violated bail conditions even after being released on bail following his detention and attended the August 15 Gwanghwamun rally. Despite being ordered to self-quarantine by health authorities, he appeared on stage without wearing a mask," and said, "The COVID-19 situation, which had been subsiding, experienced a second wave after the August 15 Gwanghwamun rally, and the public had to endure further daily inconveniences and hardships in their livelihoods."

Spokesperson Shin said, "Nevertheless, it is very regrettable that the judiciary gave Pastor Jeon a free pass for his far-right remarks on the grounds of freedom of expression," and criticized, "There are concerns that this may open the door for far-right forces who seek to destroy communal values under the banner of freedom of expression."

Finally, he warned, "There must be a clear distinction between reckless dissemination of false information and freedom of expression," and added, "Pastor Jeon should also refrain from reckless acts that incite the public with far-right remarks."

Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act and defamation but was acquitted in the first trial, is speaking as he leaves the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu on the 30th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Du-kwan also criticized the acquittal of Pastor Jeon in the first trial, saying, "It seems the judiciary has also become part of the triangular vested interest cartel of the prosecution, media, and the public."

He wrote on his Facebook, "I just heard the news that Pastor Jeon was acquitted. Statements like 'The president is a spy' and 'The president pushed for the communistization of South Korea' were also ruled not guilty," and said, "If we do not impeach Yoon Seok-yeol, this vested interest cartel will continuously violate the constitutional order and keep attacking the president's executive power."

Earlier, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 34 (Presiding Judge Heo Seon-ah) acquitted Pastor Jeon of all charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and defamation at the sentencing hearing that day. The court stated, "The prosecution has failed to prove the defendant's charges beyond a reasonable doubt."

Meanwhile, immediately after the verdict, Pastor Jeon met with reporters at the Seoul Court Complex in Seocho-dong, Seoul, raising his thumb and saying, "South Korea has won," and "They think killing Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol will solve everything, but 'Cheonmanmankongtteok' (a popular phrase meaning 'absolutely not' or 'no way')," among other remarks.

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