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 and the U.S. conducted a joint air drill with a B-1B bomber, while North Korea criticized the U.S.-Australia nuclear deal.
South Korea has accused the China-based AI startup DeepSeek of sending its user data to ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, sparking a data privacy investigation amid growing concerns over the startup’s practices.
Six people have died in a fire at a resort construction site in Busan, South Korea, with around 100 individuals evacuated and seven injured. Authorities fear more casualties, while Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered all available resources to contain the blaze.
North Korea's defense ministry condemned on Tuesday the recent arrival of a U.S. submarine in South Korea, stating that its military forces are prepared to take any necessary action. "We will not back down an inch from our confrontation with this tyrannical enemy," ministry stated.
Protests intensify in Seoul as South Koreans rally for and against President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, ahead of crucial final hea rings to decide his political future.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Australia has accused China of failing to provide sufficient notice ahead of a live-fire naval drill between Australia and New Zealand, forcing airlines to alter flight paths. Defence Minister Richard Marles described the lack of communication as “disconcerting” for commercial aviation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto have called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid escalating violence. Their appeal follows the capture of key cities by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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