“Lee Hwa-young is very angry with President Lee”... Demanding ‘parole’ from the Blue House

Attorney Kim stated, “Kim Yong, the senior official of the Democratic Institute who was involved in President Lee's case, Jeong Jin-sang, the former political coordination chief of the Democratic Party leader's office, and the Daejang-dong gang have all been released, yet only former Vice Governor Lee remains incarcerated.” He added, “The former Vice Governor has also expressed his feelings on several occasions, to the effect that he feels neglected because (President Lee) has left him unattended for several years.” Former Vice Governor Lee has been imprisoned since late September 2022 after being sentenced to 7 years and 8 months in prison for violations of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act and the Political Funds Act related to the North Korea remittance case.
Kim emphasized, “We have conveyed the request for parole to President Lee's side through various channels, but they only say they are ‘making an effort’ without taking any action,” adding, “It is getting difficult to wait any longer.” When asked if there are any plans being considered if parole is not granted, Kim avoided specific comments, stating only, “We will act when the time comes.”
Recently, Kim has been directly demanding the release of the former Vice Governor from President Lee via social media. On the 12th of last month, he posted, “If the North Korea remittance was truly fabricated, shouldn't Lee Hwa-young be released immediately before shouting for the withdrawal of charges?” The following day, he increased the pressure on President Lee by writing, “Mr. President, if the reason Lee Hwa-young has been imprisoned for five years is that the North Korea remittance is true, how am I, as the defense counsel for case 2024Gohap474 (Defendants: Lee Jae-myung, Lee Hwa-young), supposed to defend him?”
A legal industry official remarked, “The former Vice Governor's side will likely attempt to create a justification for release, such as a pardon or parole, through the withdrawal or dismissal of charges.”