Lee Nak-yeon Side Intensifies 'Lee Jae-myung Free Legal Defense' Offensive, Requests Party to Establish 'Qualification Verification Committee'

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Former leader and Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Nak-yeon requested the party on the 31st to establish a 'Presidential Candidate Qualification Verification Committee' amid escalating attacks over Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung's 'free legal defense' controversy.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the day, Kim Kwang-jin, spokesperson for Lee Nak-yeon's Pil-yeon Camp, issued a statement saying, "Regarding this matter (free legal defense), please use the Ethics Inspection Team to ascertain the facts so that party members and the public can choose candidates based on the truth." He urged the central party, "Even now, immediately establish a Presidential Candidate Qualification Verification Committee to eliminate risks during the primary so that the party does not waver when harsh scrutiny from opposition parties begins in the general election."

Spokesperson Kim added, "If there was no payment of attorney fees by a third party, it would be fortunate in terms of resolving party risks. We will trust that." However, he questioned Governor Lee, "Is it true that the total cost for 30 lawyers was about 100 million won? Is this trial a private matter or a public interest case by Minbyun?" He also criticized, "Do not dismiss requests for candidate verification as mere negative attacks or slander."

Spokesperson Bae Jae-jung also clarified, "The attorney fee suspicion began when the National Demolition Residents Council held a press conference on the 25th accusing candidate Lee of violating the 'Act on the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Graft'." She emphasized that the former leader’s side did not deliberately raise the controversy to tarnish Governor Lee.

Spokesperson Bae pointed out, "A luxurious legal team has been formed for years. If you just explain how and how much attorney fees have been spent, Democratic Party members, supporters, and the public will not worry. You just need to explain, but you have not done so." She urged, "Please explain properly as soon as possible. This is not the time to demand an apology from candidate Lee Nak-yeon."

Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung’s camp rebutted the 'free legal defense' controversy on the same day, stating, "The claims by Lee Nak-yeon’s camp that 'if there was third-party payment, it would be a serious problem' are false statements made to cause electoral defeat."

They added, "We have endured numerous negative attacks and false statements as fellow Democratic Party members, but this black propaganda has crossed the line of tolerance," and "We respectfully demand an official apology and measures to prevent recurrence from former leader Lee Nak-yeon."

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