As the Jeon-dae Approaches, Lee's 'Judicial Risk' Grows... A Dilemma for the Democratic Party Too

Final Destination-bound Party Convention
Prosecutors and Police Aim at Lee Jae-myung
Pro-Lee Leadership's 'Bulletproof National Assembly'
Hostile Symbiosis with Yoon Recreated
No Help for General Election... Concerns Rise

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] As Kim Hye-kyung, wife of Lee Jae-myung, a leading candidate for the Democratic Party leadership, is being investigated by the police on charges of ‘misuse of corporate credit card,’ Lee’s ‘judicial risk’ is intensifying. For now, the Democratic Party is on the offensive, stating, “While they summon for the ‘78,000 won’ corporate card case, they do not investigate Kim Gun-hee, who is accused of stock manipulation involving billions of won.”

However, there is a growing concern both inside and outside the party that a political purge may unfold throughout Lee’s term after his election. If the next leadership, dominated by pro-Lee factions, continues a hostile stance against the Yoon Seok-yeol administration to protect Lee, it is likely to become an extended ‘presidential election rematch’ rather than highlighting the current government’s failures.

According to the police on the 24th, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Unit of the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency conducted an investigation for about five hours the previous afternoon, questioning Kim on charges of misuse of corporate credit card and election law violations.

The Democratic Party strongly criticized this as ‘retaliatory investigation.’ Seo Young-kyo, a lawmaker running for Supreme Council member, wrote on social media that day, calling it a “typical exaggeration and a fishing expedition,” adding, “Kim Hye-kyung neither instructed the use of the corporate card nor was aware of any improper use.” She particularly stated, “While Kim Gun-hee, accused of stock manipulation involving billions of won, is not summoned for investigation, they summon for a 78,000 won corporate card case. Where is the fairness? The Yoon Seok-yeol government should prioritize solving people’s livelihood issues, not political retaliation.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Jin Sung-jun, the party’s floor deputy leader, also appeared on YTN Radio that day and said regarding this, “I wonder if this is a matter serious enough to warrant indictment, trial, and punishment,” adding, “Since she appeared at the police station and was investigated, it is a matter of holding her accountable to the extent corresponding to the wrongdoing.” He further explained, “I think this case was created to damage Lee Jae-myung during the election process.”

However, concerns about the prolonged judicial risk are also felt within the party. A Democratic Party lawmaker said in a phone interview, “If the party proceeds to the general election while shielding the party leader’s judicial risk, it will only deepen extreme partisan conflicts rather than highlighting that the Yoon Seok-yeol government is responsible for livelihood hardships or economic issues,” adding, “This will not help the general election.” Another Democratic Party lawmaker said, “Lee himself will have limited room to maneuver on issues such as candidate nominations or political reform,” adding, “The hostile symbiotic relationship may actually help boost President Yoon’s approval ratings.”

Currently, regarding Lee’s judicial risks, the prosecution is investigating allegations of preferential treatment in the Daejang-dong development and the payment of legal fees, while the police are looking into △ suspicions over Seongnam FC sponsorship funds △ allegations of exclusive use of the Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Corporation (GH) dormitory as a private campaign office △ violations of the Anti-Graft Act related to free legal representation △ and preferential treatment in the Baekhyeon-dong retaining wall apartment development.

Meanwhile, as judicial risks surrounding Lee increase ahead of the party convention, discussions to amend Article 80 of the party constitution, which suspends party officials’ duties upon indictment for corruption, are expected to gain more momentum in the next leadership.

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