Cheonan and Asan Citizens Show Mixed Reactions to Lee Jaemyung's Acquittal in Appeal Trial

"Refreshing News" vs "Hard to Understand"

Lee Jae Myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the second trial sentencing hearing for charges of violating the Public Official Election Act at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on March 26, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

On the 26th, reactions from citizens in Cheonan and Asan, Chungnam, were sharply divided after Lee Jaemyung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was acquitted in the appellate trial for violating the Public Official Election Act, contrary to the guilty verdict in the first trial.

Some citizens expressed hope, calling the verdict “refreshing news,” while many others remained skeptical and cynical.

A woman in her 40s, whom we met at a cafe near the Ministry of Employment and Labor in Dujeong-dong, Cheonan, said, “I believe the truth has come out, not political retaliation,” adding, “It’s refreshing news after a long period of political frustration.”

A man in his 50s encountered in Buldang-dong commented, “It’s a hard decision to understand. There are too many leftists,” questioning, “Is this really a verdict that should be overturned?”

Ms. Park, a woman in her 30s met in front of Cheonan City Hall, said, “I don’t care about anything except obituaries, whether it’s Lee Jaemyung or Yoon Sukyeol,” and cynically added, “Regardless of the trial outcome, I don’t think he’s fit to be a presidential candidate.”

Mr. Park, a man in his 30s met at the same location, also stated, “Whether it’s a prison sentence or acquittal, the fact remains that he is an unlikable politician. He’s not presidential material,” and analyzed, “If an early presidential election is held, it would be more strategic to put forward another candidate.”

A man in his 60s met in Baebang-eup, Asan, said, “I’ve never seen a conviction overturned except for the mayor in the neighboring town (Park Sangdon),” emphasizing, “It’s frustrating that political turmoil continues. I hope things settle down soon.”

A man in his 40s met at the Asan City Hall plaza said, “I knew there was a trial, but today was the first time I heard what the charges were,” adding, “I’m more curious about the outcome of Yoon Sukyeol’s trial than Lee Jaemyung’s.”

Meanwhile, on the 26th, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 6-2 overturned the original sentence (one year in prison, two years probation) and acquitted Lee Jaemyung, leader of the Democratic Party, who had been indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act (dissemination of false information).

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