Lee Nak-yeon Side: "Is Lee Jae-myung's Trial for Violation of the Public Official Election Act a Private Matter?"

Democratic Party presidential candidates Lee Jae-myung (left) and Lee Nak-yeon greet each other before the third TV debate of the main election held at KBS in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 11. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Yoon Young-chan, a member of the Democratic Party from the Lee Nak-yeon camp, continued his offensive against Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, saying, "Is the Public Official Election Act trial still considered private life? If so, what was Minbyun arguing?"

On the 31st of last month, Yoon pointed out on his Facebook, "If (Governor Lee) received pro bono legal representation, it would violate the Kim Young-ran Act, and if there are errors in explaining changes in assets, there would be issues with the public official asset registration."

He said, "Governor Lee has maintained a stance to eliminate unreasonable practices and privileges," adding, "I understand that he has repeatedly emphasized the need to reform the system to eradicate the practice of preferential treatment for former officials in the legal profession." He then questioned, "Has Governor Lee's position on abolishing privileges and preferential treatment in the legal profession changed?"

He continued, "During the recent TV debate, when former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon asked about the trial, Governor Lee said, 'It is not appropriate to speak specifically about private matters,' but is a trial for violation of the Public Official Election Act considered private life?" He added, "If so, Minbyun would have provided public interest legal representation for the governor's private life."

Furthermore, he urged explanation, saying, "If the trial costs were reasonably spent, then the amount and how the changes in assets occurred should be explained," and emphasized, "Governor Lee's trial is for violation of the Public Official Election Act, and legal judgments regarding public official qualifications cannot be considered private life."

Earlier, on the 29th of last month, at the regular Sunday press briefing, Yoon criticized the suspicion of Governor Lee's 'pro bono legal representation,' saying, "If it was pro bono or support as claimed by the (Lee Jae-myung) camp, it falls under the trap of improper solicitation," and added, "If it was a case of paying legal fees on behalf of someone else, it is a very serious issue. It reminds me of the case of former President MB (Lee Myung-bak) having his legal fees paid by others." He also insisted, "If Governor Lee covered the costs personally, it is a matter that must clearly reveal the relationship with asset increases or decreases."

In response, Governor Lee took a direct stance, saying, "I expect serious reflection and an official apology based on objective facts." He rebutted, "According to my publicly disclosed asset declaration, before and after the (Public Official Election Act violation) trial, nominal assets decreased by 130 million won, and actual assets excluding the increase in housing appraisal value decreased by 300 million won. However, Representative Yoon falsely claimed that my assets increased with the intent to cause electoral defeat."

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