South Korean Court Acquits Opposition Leader Lee Jae-myung in Election Law Case

The ruling clears a path for Lee's potential presidential bid as the nation awaits the Constitutional Court's decision on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment.

• The Seoul High Court overturned Lee Jae-myung's conviction for election law violations, removing a major obstacle to his potential presidential candidacy.
• Lee's previous conviction carried a one-year suspended prison sentence, which would have disqualified him from running for public office if upheld.
• Prosecutors have seven days to appeal the ruling to South Korea's Supreme Court, which could still impact Lee's political future.
• President Yoon Suk-yeol remains suspended as the Constitutional Court deliberates on his impeachment, with a decision expected soon that could trigger a snap presidential election.
• Lee, the frontrunner in opinion polls, still faces multiple legal challenges, including bribery and corruption cases linked to a $1 billion property development scandal.

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