Lee Nak-yeon "100 Million Won for Lawyer Fees from Personal Funds?" vs Lee Jae-myung "It's a Private Matter"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon directly criticized Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung over the controversy surrounding the free legal fees for his past lawyer services.

At a debate hosted by Daejeon MBC on the 27th, former leader Lee asked Governor Lee, "I am concerned and want to confirm. I understand that your trial lasted for three years and was supported by 30 luxury lawyers," adding, "There were reports that some of them did not receive legal fees, and that you spent less than 100 million won of your own money. Is that correct?"

In response, Governor Lee said, "Since it is a personal matter, it does not seem appropriate to speak in detail," and added, "It is difficult to calculate the exact amount. It went through the first, second, and third trials, so it cost quite a bit."

Former leader Lee then said, "I will take that as a refusal to confirm," and asked again whether he believed free legal representation was acceptable because it was a personal issue. Governor Lee replied, "That is not my position. It is an unreasonable claim."

Former leader Lee stated, "I would like to mention that the so-called Kim Young-ran Act was created due to disputes over job-relatedness," and added, "Governor Lee once said, 'Nothing is more important than integrity for public officials. There is no such thing as a free lunch.' This could become a very serious issue. There have also been reports of hiring irregularities, which is concerning, so you have an obligation to alleviate these concerns."

It is known that Song Doo-hwan, the nominee for Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, stated in his written answers submitted to the National Assembly for the confirmation hearing, "There was no agreement or receipt of legal fees related to the case." Song participated as part of Governor Lee’s defense team in the election law violation trial.

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