Former Gyeonggi official appeals perjury conviction over 'salmon drinking party'

Lee Hwa-young, former Peace Vice Governor of Gyeonggi Province, has appealed his four-month prison sentence for perjury. The conviction stems from his testimony in October 2024 about a "salmon drinking party" allegedly held at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office in 2023.

The first court found Lee's testimony to be false, citing inconsistencies and a lack of credibility. The court accepted the majority opinion of the jury (4 guilty, 3 not guilty) in handing down the sentence for violating the National Assembly Testimony and Attendance Act.

However, Lee's defense team argues that the first-instance ruling contains factual and legal errors. They maintain that the drinking session did indeed take place and intend to contest this point vigorously in the appellate court. Lee also seeks to be acquitted on charges that were dismissed by the first court, including violations of the Political Funds Act and abuse of power.