DP Claims 'Salmon Drinking Party' Perjury Ruling Is 'Substantively Innocent,' Expects Acquittal on Appeal

The Democratic Party of Korea (DP) argued today (June 21) that while the court ruled the so-called "salmon drinking party" allegations raised by Lee Hwa-young, former Vice Governor for Peace of Gyeonggi Province, to be false, the ruling is "substantively innocent."

Lawmakers from the DP who served on the National Assembly's "Special Committee on Truth-Finding for Fabricated Prosecution Cases by the Yoon Suk Yeol Administration's Political Prosecutors" made the statement during a press conference at the National Assembly earlier today.

They stated, "A 4-to-3 jury verdict found him guilty regarding whether alcohol was provided, and the court respected this result in delivering the guilty verdict," adding, "Since three jurors expressed opinions of innocence, the case is substantively innocent, and we expect a full acquittal in the appellate court."

They further pointed out, "The court ruled for acquittal and dismissal of charges regarding the major allegations in this case," and urged, "The prosecution must reflect on the fabricated indictments carried out by political prosecutors during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and take measures to correct these wrongs."

While the statement was issued in the name of all DP lawmakers who served on the special committee, only Representatives Seo Young-kyo, Lee Geon-tae, and Lee Yong-woo attended the press conference.

Previously, the Suwon District Court's Criminal Agreement Division 11 (Presiding Judge Song Byeong-hun) sentenced Lee to four months in prison yesterday during a jury trial for perjury (violation of the Act on Testimony and Appraisal before the National Assembly) regarding the "salmon drinking party" allegations.

The court acquitted Lee of charges related to conspiring with former Ssangbangwool Group Chairman Kim Sung-tae on "split donations" (violation of the Political Funds Act) and dismissed the charges related to Lee's alleged abuse of power regarding North Korea support.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.