South Korea's opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was acquitted of perjury charges, a legal victory amid ongoing trials that could impact his political future, including a recent conviction over election law violations and allegations tied to a property scandal.
South Korea's main opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, was acquitted on Monday of charges that he coerced a witness into committing perjury, the Seoul Central District Court announced. The case is one of several legal challenges that could impact his political career.
Following the ruling, Lee expressed gratitude to the court for "bringing back truth and justice," as his supporters celebrated.
The allegations claimed Lee had instructed a witness to give false testimony during a 2019 trial concerning an election law violation. Lee, who leads the Democratic Party, still faces multiple other legal battles, including bribery charges and accusations tied to a $1 billion property development scandal.
On November 15, a court found Lee guilty of violating election law, sentencing him to one year in prison, suspended for two years. If upheld, the sentence could jeopardise his potential bid for the presidency in 2027. Lee has stated his intention to appeal.
Additionally, Lee was indicted last week on allegations of misusing over 100 million won ($71,900) in public funds for personal expenses during his time as a governor.
Lee, who narrowly lost to President Yoon Suk Yeol in the 2022 election and is widely expected to run again, has dismissed the charges as "political retaliation" and argued there is no basis for the indictment.
Under South Korean law, any final conviction with a prison sentence or a fine of 1 million won ($714.13) or more in an election law case would disqualify him from parliament and bar him from standing in elections for five years.
South Korea, China, and Japan held their first economic dialogue in five years on Sunday, aiming to strengthen regional trade cooperation amid growing concerns over U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump.
South Korea is facing its worst wildfire disaster, with blazes doubling in size and killing at least 27 people. Over 33,000 hectares have burned, destroying historic temples as firefighters battle the flames. Strong winds and dry conditions fuel the rapid spread of the fires.
A South Korean appeals court has cleared opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of election law violations, overturning a previous conviction that could have hindered his presidential aspirations, though prosecutors plan to appeal the ruling.
Deadly wildfires in South Korea’s southeastern region have claimed at least 18 lives and forced over 27,000 residents to flee. Thousands of firefighters, supported by military personnel, are battling the blazes, which have destroyed neighborhoods and threatened UNESCO World Heritage sites.
At least 15 people have died as wildfires continue to ravage South Korea’s southeastern region, Yonhap News Agency reported on Wednesday.
Asian stock markets experienced a significant decline on Thursday following the announcement by US President Donald Trump of new reciprocal tariffs on several US trade partners. The tariffs, which range from 10% to 50%, were announced by Trump on April 2, a day he referred to as “Liberation Day.”
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
TikTok’s fate in the United States is once again hanging in the balance, as a looming deadline threatens to force a sale—or trigger a nationwide ban—amid a flurry of last-minute bids and high-stakes political maneuvering.
A roundtable discussion on Azerbaijan’s demining initiatives was held at the Hudson Institute in Washington, organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy. Representatives from ANAMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided insights into ongoing operations and challenges related to landmine clearance.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has cautioned that President Trump’s new tariffs will harm the economies of NATO allies, warning of broader consequences for both the U.S. and its transatlantic partners.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
The Bulgarian government, headed by Rosen Zhelyazkov, overcame a no-confidence vote initiated over its foreign policy.
TikTok’s fate in the United States is once again hanging in the balance, as a looming deadline threatens to force a sale—or trigger a nationwide ban—amid a flurry of last-minute bids and high-stakes political maneuvering.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has cautioned that President Trump’s new tariffs will harm the economies of NATO allies, warning of broader consequences for both the U.S. and its transatlantic partners.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
Seven migrants, including a child, died when their boat sank off Lesbos. 23 survivors were rescued, but the search continues. Greece remains a crucial entry point for migrants, underscoring the perilous sea journey many undertake in search of safety and a new life.
Asian stock markets experienced a significant decline on Thursday following the announcement by US President Donald Trump of new reciprocal tariffs on several US trade partners. The tariffs, which range from 10% to 50%, were announced by Trump on April 2, a day he referred to as “Liberation Day.”
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
TikTok’s fate in the United States is once again hanging in the balance, as a looming deadline threatens to force a sale—or trigger a nationwide ban—amid a flurry of last-minute bids and high-stakes political maneuvering.
A roundtable discussion on Azerbaijan’s demining initiatives was held at the Hudson Institute in Washington, organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy. Representatives from ANAMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided insights into ongoing operations and challenges related to landmine clearance.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has cautioned that President Trump’s new tariffs will harm the economies of NATO allies, warning of broader consequences for both the U.S. and its transatlantic partners.
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