Prosecutors Seek 5 Million Won Fine for Former Human Rights Commissioner Lee Chung Sang over Refusal to Testify in National Assembly

"It Was Because I Was Not Given Time to Respond"
Final Verdict Scheduled for June 9

Prosecutors have requested a fine for Chung Sang Lee, former Standing Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission, who was indicted for refusing to answer questions during a parliamentary audit without a justifiable reason.

Choong-Sang Lee, Former Standing Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission. Yonhap News

At a hearing held on the 17th at the Seoul Central District Court before Judge Kang Sungjin of the 16th Criminal Division, prosecutors asked the court to impose a fine of 5 million won on Lee.

The court had previously issued a summary order for the same amount in February 2026, following a summary indictment by prosecutors. However, Lee contested the decision and requested a formal trial, leading to the hearing held on this day.

Lee is accused of evading a question during the National Assembly Steering Committee's parliamentary audit in October 2024 regarding the "political orientation of the Human Rights Commission secretary's interview panel," stating that "it is difficult to answer."

In his final statement, Lee argued his innocence, saying, "The minutes clearly state that I did not have sufficient opportunity to respond." The court is scheduled to deliver its final verdict on June 9, 2026.

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