By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-03-27 03:16:57 | Updated at 2025-04-05 14:46:22
1 week ago
South Korea’s top opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has inched closer to the presidency after clearing a significant legal hurdle, but the country remains in political turmoil as it awaits the impeachment verdict for suspended president Yoon Suk-yeol.
A South Korean appeal court on Wednesday acquitted Lee of election law violations, removing a major obstacle in his potential bid for the presidency.
Opinion polls consistently show Lee as the front runner to replace Yoon if the impeachment is upheld.
The Seoul High Court overturned a lower-court ruling that had found him guilty of making a false claim in 2021 during a parliamentary audit concerning a land development project in Seongnam City, where he previously served as mayor.
Had the decision been upheld, Lee’s chances of running in the next presidential election would have been jeopardised.
If the Constitutional Court confirms Yoon’s impeachment, the election for a new president must take place within 60 days.
