Midpoint of Lee Hwa-young trial: Focus shifts to 'salmon alcohol party' allegations

The trial of former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young, accused of violating political fund laws and abusing power, is entering a critical phase as it approaches its midpoint. The proceedings, which are the longest-ever jury trial in South Korea, will now focus on the contentious 'salmon alcohol party' allegations after initial arguments over political fundraising and North Korea aid projects.

Prosecutors allege that Lee conspired with former Ssangbangwool Group Chairman Kim Seong-tae to facilitate "split donations" to then-Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung. The defense counters that the prosecution's case relies solely on the testimonies of Ssangbangwool officials, lacking concrete evidence. A significant development occurred when Ahn Boo-soo, chairman of the Asia-Pacific Exchange Association and a key witness regarding Ssangbangwool's alleged payment of $8 million to North Korea, did not appear in court due to health reasons. The court decided not to admit Ahn's previous statements as evidence, citing concerns about Lee's right to defense, a move the prosecution intends to challenge.

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The prosecution conducted over 200 raids against me, my wife, my son, and even the late former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, and everyone related to me, to arrest President Lee Jae-myung. They conducted a human hunt on me.

Lee Hwa-young has maintained his innocence, framing the charges as politically motivated. On the first day of the trial, he accused the prosecution of conducting over 200 raids against him, his family, and associates in an effort to imprison "President Lee Jae-myung." He described the investigation as a "human hunt."

The trial is expected to intensify as it delves into allegations of perjury related to the 'salmon alcohol party.' Park Sang-yong, a deputy prosecutor at the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office, who is accused of pressuring Lee Hwa-young to testify that President Lee Jae-myung was involved in the Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance case, is scheduled to testify. The Supreme Prosecutors' Office's inspection committee recently deliberated on whether to discipline Park over these allegations.

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It was at the request of former Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young that the $8 million sent by Ssangbangwool to North Korea was paid as a travel expense for then-Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung.