Ruling party slams prosecution's decision to drop appeal in corruption case

South Korea's ruling People Power Party has fiercely criticized the prosecution's decision to forgo an appeal in the case of Noh Woong-rae, a former lawmaker from the main opposition Democratic Party. Noh faces charges related to allegedly receiving 60 million won (approximately $45,000) in illegal political funds and bribes.

The party's senior spokesperson, Park Sung-hoon, questioned whether the prosecution was acting as a "judicial shield for the regime" rather than upholding the law. This criticism intensified following a social media post by President Lee Jae-myung, who suggested Noh was "indicted by political prosecutors." Park argued that if a president's words can substitute for prosecutorial judgment, and if favorable rulings are no longer contested, the system ceases to be a "rule of law state."

President Lee had previously congratulated Noh on his acquittal in the appellate trial, offering "late apologies" for the indictment. The ruling party urged the government and its allies to cease attempts to use the prosecution as a "shield for the regime," warning that the public would not tolerate what they termed a "power-driven immunity cartel."

The prosecution's decision not to appeal stems from the first and second trials, where Noh was acquitted. Both lower courts found that evidence obtained during searches related to a bribery case involving former Democratic Party official Lee Jung-geun was collected through illegal procedures. The prosecution cited the court's recent strict interpretation of evidence admissibility and the possibility of a reversed verdict on appeal as reasons for their decision.

Noh Woong-rae was indicted in March 2023, accused of receiving 60 million won on five occasions between February and December 2020. The alleged bribes were purportedly for facilitating permits for logistics centers and providing advantages in power plant and solar power projects.