[Seocho-dong Legal Story] The 'Cup of Tea' Refused 4 Years Ago, and the 5-Line Reply Letter

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] "Please have a cup of tea before you go."

On November 24, 2018, at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office Seongnam Branch, Lee Jae-myung, then Governor of Gyeonggi Province and now leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared for questioning. He was under investigation for allegations such as 'forcible hospitalization of his elder brother' and 'impersonating a prosecutor.' A prosecutor offered him a cup of tea, a minimum courtesy extended when questioning a public figure. Lee declined, saying, "No, thank you."

Four years later, Lee is once again under investigation by prosecutors. This time, he is accused of spreading false information related to the Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong urban development projects during the 20th presidential election. Before summoning him, the prosecutors sent a written questionnaire of about 20 pages. Lee responded with a reply of fewer than five lines and did not appear for questioning.

Whether four years ago or now, his attitude toward the prosecutors remains cold. It could be a full-bodied expression of his belief that the investigation against him is unjust. However, on the other hand, he seems particularly sensitive toward the prosecution. He might have shown confident composure by accepting a cup of tea and attending the investigation.

Especially, some in the legal community find it surprising that Lee did not respond to the prosecutors' summons this time. It was an opportunity to send a political message. He could have protested that the prosecution was oppressing the opposition leader or demanded an end to the excessive investigation. The weather was also on his side. On the 6th, the day Lee did not appear, heavy rain and wind poured due to the indirect effects of Typhoon Hinnamnor. Being questioned by prosecutors on such a day would have perfectly reinforced the image of a 'leader enduring hardship.'

Lee is said to have been quite eloquent since his days as a lawyer. Among reporters, he is regarded as "a good interviewee." Those who have interviewed him say he has a knack for selecting key words and expressions that make writing articles easier. Considering these evaluations, Lee would be someone who would never lose even if he appeared for the prosecution's questioning. Therefore, if he did not attend, there must have been a special reason. Alternatively, the prosecution might have struck a nerve, making him sensitive.

There are quite a few allegations surrounding Lee. The prosecution and police have recently accelerated their investigations, bringing these cases one by one to the court of law. These include suspicions of 'special favors and lobbying in the Daejang-dong urban development,' 'lawyer fee payments,' and 'Seongnam FC sponsorship funds.' Allegations related to the Baekhyeon-dong and Wirye New Town development projects have also come under the prosecution's scrutiny. Public attention is focused on the prosecution and courts to see whether the truth behind the allegations surrounding Lee will be clearly revealed.

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