Daejangdong Case Court Denies Lee Jae-myung's Side 'Non-Appearance Request'... "Not a Consideration for Candidacy"

The court presiding over the trial of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, regarding the preferential development allegations in Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong, has denied the defense's request for Lee's absence due to the upcoming general election.

The Criminal Division 33 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Kim Dong-hyun) decided at the preparatory hearing held on the 16th to continue the cross-examination of witness Yoo Dong-gyu, former Planning Director of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation, on the 19th of next month.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is greeting returning holiday travelers during his visit to Yongsan Station in Seoul on the 8th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

On that day, the court decided to hold a trial on the 19th, one week after simplifying the trial renewal procedures on the 27th of this month and the 12th of next month, due to the replacement of two associate judges following the regular judicial personnel reshuffle.

Lee's defense counsel requested the court to separate the trial so that Lee would not have to appear, arguing that the witness was related to another defendant, Jeong Jin-sang, former Political Coordination Officer of the Democratic Party leader's office. The reason was that it would be practically difficult for Lee to attend given the proximity of the election.

However, the court rejected the request, stating, "Since this is a cross-examination of the main examination, it cannot be considered irrelevant to defendant Lee Jae-myung, so separation is inappropriate," and added, "The schedule cannot be adjusted simply because a witness or defendant is running for office."

Although Lee's side reiterated the request, saying, "(Absence) means waiving the right to defense, but it is actually what we want," the court stated, "It is correct to proceed according to the principle. It is difficult to consider the defendant's circumstances, and separation is not allowed."

Lee is also simultaneously undergoing trials for two other cases, including a violation of the Public Official Election Act.

The Criminal Division 34 of the same court, which is handling the Public Official Election Act violation case, has scheduled trial dates on the 8th and 22nd of next month. The presiding judge has been replaced by Han Sung-jin (age 53, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 30), and it is expected that trial renewal procedures will be discussed at the next hearing.

Some concerns have been raised that it may be difficult to expect a fair trial because Judge Han joined the International Human Rights Law Research Association, a progressive judges' group, in 2011 and has remained a member since then. However, Judge Han is known not to hold any particular political stance.

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