Citizens’ Group Calls for Investigation of President Lee Jae-myung

A citizens’ association is demanding that President Lee Jae-myung be investigated for alleged foreign exchange violations related to remittances to North Korea. This follows the Supreme Court’s confirmation of former Governor Lee Hwa-young’s conviction in connection with the same matter.

The group alleges that President Lee, already facing trial for third-party bribery, should also be prosecuted for foreign exchange charges.They argue that the Supreme Court’s ruling confirms the former governor’s guilt in a case that has been shaken by the UN Security Council’s resolution and the identity of the state.

accusations of Illegal Reporting and Approval

The citizens’ group contends that President Lee Jae-myung received an illegal report regarding North Korea and subsequently approved a remittance report related to North Korea. They claim this constitutes a foreign exchange crime that violates UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea, wich are intended to prevent the proliferation of missiles and weapons of mass destruction.

The group urges the Suwon Prosecutor’s Office to promptly prosecute President Lee’s foreign exchange charges before the scheduled trial planning date next month.

While Article 84 of the South Korean Constitution grants the president immunity from criminal prosecution while in office, the citizens’ group argues that civil and foreign sins are exceptions.

Supreme Court Upholds Bribery Conviction

The Supreme Court’s second division, led by Judge Park Young-jae, upheld the lower court’s ruling against former Governor Lee Hwa-young on charges of bribery under the specific crime weighted punishment law. The ruling confirmed his conviction for bribery and other related offenses.

Details of the Remittance Incident

The remittance incident involves allegations that $5 million was paid to North Korea for a smart farm project promised by Gyeonggi-do, and an additional $3 million was paid for a visit to North Korea. The lower courts persistent that these remittances were made to north Koreans on behalf of Gyeonggi-do, including the Gyeonggi Governor’s planned visit to North Korea. The Supreme Court affirmed this judgment.

Potential Obstacles to Presidential Trial

the proceedings of a potential trial involving the former president face uncertainty. The trial could be halted if the court applies presidential criminal fluoride privilege. Furthermore, the passage of an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law, which would suspend criminal trials during an individual’s time in office, could also lead to the trial’s suspension.

Reader Question

What impact could this scandal have on South Korea’s relationship with North korea and its international standing?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main accusation against former Governor Lee Hwa-young?

A: He was convicted of bribery and involvement in illegal remittances to North Korea.

Q: What is the citizens’ group asking for?

A: They are demanding that President lee Jae-myung be investigated for alleged foreign exchange violations related to the remittances.

Q: What was the purpose of the alleged remittances?

A: the remittances were allegedly for a smart farm project and to facilitate a visit to North Korea by the gyeonggi Governor.

Q: What is the potential impact of the UN Security Council sanctions?

A: The UN security Council sanctions restrict financial transactions and other activities that could support North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

Q: What is the constitutional issue at stake?

A: The citizens’ group argues that civil and foreign sins are exceptions to the president’s immunity from criminal prosecution while in office.

Q: What are the potential obstacles to a presidential trial?

A: The trial could be halted if the court applies presidential criminal fluoride privilege or if an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law is passed.