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South Korea’s Supreme Court Casts Doubt on Lee Jae-myung’s Presidential Candidacy
South Korea’s Supreme Court overturns ruling clearing Lee Jae-myung of election law violations, casting doubt on his June 3 presidential bid and fueling political uncertainty.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-01
South Korea’s Supreme Court Casts Doubt on Lee Jae-myung’s Presidential Candidacy

The Supreme Court on Thursday overturned an earlier ruling that had cleared frontrunner Lee Jae-myung of breaking election law. The court ruled that Lee had made false statements during his 2022 presidential campaign, sending the case back to the appeals court for further review.

The ruling is a significant blow to Lee’s credibility and his chances of appearing on the ballot for the June 3 election. The court stated that Lee’s statements were important enough to mislead voters and influence their judgment about his eligibility for public office. This decision could further deepen political divides and complicate efforts to stabilize the country amid economic pressures, including U.S. tariffs.

The appeals court now faces the task of determining whether Lee should be disqualified from running. If a guilty verdict is finalized, Lee would be barred from contesting elections for at least five years.

Lee, who has denied the allegations, expressed his disappointment but vowed to follow the will of the people, posting on Facebook, “I will trust only the people and move forward confidently.”

The case is particularly significant because Lee is already facing several criminal trials. However, the election law case stands out because it directly impacts his eligibility to run for president. The speed at which the Supreme Court moved to consider the case is unusual, and while the court did not set a deadline for the appeals court, a decision before the June 3 election remains uncertain.

Political analysts predict that Lee’s support could suffer as a result of the ruling, with moderate voters potentially swayed by the court’s decision. Lee had been leading in the polls, with recent surveys showing him as the top contender for the presidency. However, the uncertainty surrounding his candidacy now leaves room for other political figures, including Han Duck-soo, who resigned as acting leader on Thursday to prepare for his own presidential bid.

The Democratic Party, which Lee leads, criticized the ruling but remains steadfast in its support for Lee. Despite the challenges, the party may explore backup options in the event that Lee’s candidacy is ultimately disqualified.

The political landscape in South Korea is rapidly evolving, and the next few weeks could see more twists in the lead-up to the highly anticipated election.

 
Tagged:

PresidentialRace

ElectionLaw

LeeJaeMyung

SouthKoreaElection
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