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SEOUL, South Korea — In a significant decision, South Korea’s Supreme Court reversed a previous verdict on Thursday, finding leading presidential hopeful Lee Jae-myung guilty of breaching electoral regulations. This development raises uncertainty over his candidacy for the upcoming presidency.
Impact of the Supreme Court’s Ruling
Lee, the nominee of the governing liberal Democratic Party, is currently ahead in public opinion surveys for an early presidential election triggered by the expulsion of conservative former President Yoon Suk Yeol amid debates over his implementation of emergency measures.
The electoral misconduct case against Lee has garnered considerable attention, as a ruling that disqualifies him from the ballot could exacerbate societal divisions, following several months of political instability that has complicated efforts to navigate Asia’s fourth-largest economy through tumultuous U.S. trade policies.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
In March, an appellate court had acquitted Lee of election law violations. However, prosecutors contested the decision, taking the case to the Supreme Court.
Lee is currently facing multiple criminal trials, but the election law lawsuit stood out because if the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Lee’s acquittal is finalized, it would disqualify him from participating in elections for at least five years.
The Supreme Court concluded that Lee had infringed upon election laws by disseminating misleading information publicly. Consequently, the case has been remanded to the appellate court for further review.
The Political Landscape in South Korea
While the Supreme Court expedited the review of Lee’s election law case, it did not establish a deadline for the lower court, which typically requires months to reassess rulings. Thus, it remains uncertain whether a definitive decision will be reached before the June 3 election.
Leadership Changes and Candidate Speculation
In a separate development, South Korea’s interim leader, Han Duck-soo, stepped down on Thursday. This move is seen as a step towards his potential entry into the presidential race. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is anticipated to assume the role of acting president in accordance with legal requirements.
There has been increasing speculation that Han, aged 75, might opt to run for the presidency. Recent opinion polls indicate a surge in support for the seasoned technocrat, who was appointed to the top position in December following Yoon’s removal.
Han was impeached just days into his tenure after disagreements with legislators in the opposition-controlled parliament. The Constitutional Court reinstated Han as acting president in March, reversing the impeachment.