Jung Chung-rae criticizes Kim Keon-hee appeal ruling

Apr 29, 2026, 11:05 am

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Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on April 29./ Photographed by Song Eui-joo

Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the appellate court ruling in the stock manipulation case involving Kim Keon-hee, saying it “does not align with public sentiment.”

Speaking at a Supreme Council meeting on April 29, Jung said the court sentenced Kim to four years in prison and a fine of 50 million won in the second trial, but argued the decision fell short of public expectations.

“The guilty verdict in the long-running Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case comes too late, and the sentence is far removed from what the public feels is just,” Jung said.

He added that allegations related to the so-called “Myung Tae-kyun gate” and claims of improper interference in candidate nominations by the ruling People Power Party were not sufficiently recognized in the ruling.

Jung also criticized the court’s consideration of mitigating factors such as Kim being a first-time offender, as well as her age and health, calling the decision “difficult to understand.”

He emphasized that the Democratic Party would continue efforts to uncover what it describes as “state-level misconduct” involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol and Kim Keon-hee, and ensure accountability.

Regarding allegations of politically motivated prosecution under the Yoon administration, Jung said the party would push for a special prosecutor investigation as soon as the parliamentary inquiry committee completes its activities.

“We will swiftly pursue a special counsel to uncover the full truth and hold all those responsible accountable,” he said.

#Jung Chung-rae #Kim Keon-hee #Democratic Party of Korea #stock manipulation case #Deutsche Motors