"Daejang-dong Figures Released... Very Angry at the President," Claims Lee Hwa-young's Counsel

[Anchor]

The legal counsel for former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Peace Lee Hwa-young, who is serving a prison sentence over the Ssangbangwool illegal-remittance-to-North-Korea case, has demanded President Lee Jae-myung grant him parole. The attorney stated that Lee Hwa-young has been thoroughly neglected, openly expressing dissatisfaction directed effectively at President Lee.

Here is a report by reporter Shin Yong-il.

[Reporter]

Former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Peace Lee Hwa-young was sentenced to a final 7 years and 8 months in prison in June of last year on charges including bribery related to the Ssangbangwool illegal-remittance-to-North-Korea case.

Lee was previously detained in September 2022 on charges including violations of the Political Funds Act regarding the use of Ssangbangwool corporate cards, and has been imprisoned for over four years.

However, Lee's attorney, Kim Kwang-min, said in an interview with a media outlet today (7th) that "Lee Hwa-young is very angry at President Lee Jae-myung" and feels "hurt that he has been left neglected for years."

Attorney Kim also claimed, "We requested Lee's parole to President Lee's side through various channels, but it was not accepted," adding, "Figures from the Daejang-dong group, such as former Democratic Party Chief Coordinator for Political Affairs Jung Jin-sang and former Democracy Institute Deputy Director Kim Yong, have been released, yet only Lee remains imprisoned."

When asked if there is a plan should parole not materialize, Attorney Kim avoided giving a specific answer.

Later, regarding criticisms that his interview remarks were excessive, Attorney Kim stated on his social media, "It is cruel that a person has been imprisoned for five years and thoroughly neglected while it is concluded that the remittance to North Korea case was fabricated."

As calls arise, particularly within the ruling bloc, regarding the need to cancel the indictment against President Lee in the North Korea remittance case, some observers suggest that the open expression of dissatisfaction by Lee Hwa-young's side could amplify political fallout.

In response, an official from the Cheong Wa Dae told SBS that "figures such as former Chief Coordinator Jung were released through legal procedures," while explaining regarding Lee Hwa-young that "discussions on a year-end amnesty have not taken place, and parole falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice."

(Video by Yang Hyun-chul | Video Editing by Park Choon-bae | Graphics by Han Heung-soo)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.