[Anchor]
The Supreme Court is expediting the trial of Lee Jae-myung, a Democratic Party primary candidate, for violations of the Public Official Election Act.
Under the presidency of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, a hearing was held again after just two days.
Reports suggest that there was substantial discussion on the candidate’s guilt or innocence, heightening the possibility that a conclusion could be reached before the presidential election.
This is reporter Yu Ju-eun.
[Reporter]
Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae arrives at the Supreme Court building.
This afternoon, Chief Justice Cho held a second plenary session as the presiding judge in the case involving Lee Jae-myung’s alleged election law violations.
It’s been just two days since the first session was held.
During today’s second session, it is reported that the 12 justices of the Supreme Court fully exchanged opinions on the candidate’s guilt or innocence.
The discussions revolved around whether the candidate’s statements regarding the circumstances of the use change of the Baekhyun-dong site and the remarks related to Kim Moon-gi, the former director of Sungnam Urban Development Corporation, should be viewed as subjective opinions or expressions of perception or as false information.
Considering that the Supreme Court’s plenary session usually only opens once or twice before setting a sentencing date, there is speculation that a conclusion could be reached as soon as next month.
During the 2020 appeal trial concerning the candidate’s election law case, the Supreme Court also held just one plenary session.
A current chief judge said, “If the opinions of the justices don’t diverge significantly, a ruling could even be possible in May.”
Given the unusually rapid pace of the trial, there is speculation that the verdict could be announced before the presidential candidate registration begins on the 10th of next month.
Video Coverage: Cho Se-kwon
Video Editing: Hyung Sae-bom