Hong Joon-pyo calls Lee Han-koo 'ignorant' over Noh Woong-rae acquittal comments

A political spat has erupted in South Korea over the acquittal of former lawmaker Noh Woong-rae, with a prominent politician criticizing another for challenging the court's decision.

“

An acquittal means not that they are innocent, but that the crime cannot be proven under criminal procedure. The reason modern society accepts this is due to the inevitability of the system. To argue that the ruling is wrong and to try to reveal the transcript, which was excluded as illegally collected evidence, is an ignorant and foolish argument that can only be made in a people's trial that fundamentally denies criminal procedure.

Lee Han-koo, an independent lawmaker, suggested that the court's acquittal of Noh, who faced bribery charges, was based on technicalities rather than innocence. Lee argued that the evidence, including recordings, should be re-examined, implying that Noh might still be guilty.

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo vehemently disagreed, calling Lee's stance "ignorant and foolish." Hong explained that an acquittal does not mean innocence but rather that the prosecution failed to prove guilt within legal procedures. He criticized Lee's call to review excluded evidence as reminiscent of "people's trials" and questioned his suitability for his past role as Justice Minister.

“

The acquittal was based on the formal reason of excluding illegally collected evidence (recordings, etc.), not because there was no substance of receiving the money. If you continue to insist as if you were unjustly investigated and tried, let's all listen to the recordings related to Mr. Noh's charges in the National Assembly.

Noh himself has also responded, accusing Lee of fabricating evidence and demanding accountability. The case stems from allegations that Noh received 60 million won (approximately $54,000) in 2020 for facilitating business approvals and solar power projects. The court ruled that the evidence, including recordings, was collected illegally and thus inadmissible, leading to Noh's acquittal.

“

Lee Han-koo, who manipulated the simple noise into the sound of rustling money envelopes, must now be held responsible. I will take the lead in ensuring that no more victims suffer from fabricated indictments and investigations.