Noh Ung-rae acquitted in second trial over bribery allegations

Noh Ung-rae acquittal illegal evidence collection Han Dong-hoon political prosecution South Korean politics

Former lawmaker Noh Ung-rae has been acquitted in his second trial regarding allegations of receiving 60 million won in illegal political funds. The Seoul Central District Court maintained the initial acquittal, ruling that the evidence, including mobile phone data, was obtained through illegal search and seizure procedures that violated the warrant principle.

The verdict has ignited a fierce political confrontation. The Democratic Party and President Lee Jae-myung criticized the prosecution, labeling the case a product of 'political prosecution' and 'fabrication.' Lee Jae-myung issued an apology to Noh, stating he had been forced to exclude Noh from party nominations during the general election to protect the party's interests.

Conversely, Han Dong-hoon argued that the acquittal was a technicality based on the exclusion of evidence rather than a proof of innocence regarding the bribery itself. He suggested that the substance of the money exchange remains a fact. This stance drew sharp criticism from Hong Joon-pyo, who questioned Han's responsibility as the former Minister of Justice overseeing the investigation, and from Cho Kuk, who called Han's arguments 'anti-constitutional sophistry.'

Entities

Cho Hee-dae · Democratic Party of Korea · Han Dong-hoon · Hong Joon-pyo · Lee Jae-myung · Noh Ung-rae · Noh Woong-rae · Seoul Central District Court

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Cho Kuk criticized Han Dong-hoon's interpretation of the court's ruling as anti-constitutional. www.kyeonggi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Hong Joon-pyo criticized Han Dong-hoon, questioning his responsibility for overseeing the prosecution's investigation. www.sportalkorea.com · www.hani.co.kr
[● 4 SOURCES] The court acquitted former lawmaker Noh Ung-rae in the second trial, citing illegal evidence collection. www.hidomin.com · www.sportalkorea.com · www.hani.co.kr · www.mbn.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] Noh Ung-rae accused Han Dong-hoon of fabricating evidence regarding the bribery allegations. www.sportalkorea.com · www.hani.co.kr
[● 4 SOURCES] Han Dong-hoon argued that the acquittal was based on procedural evidence exclusion rather than a finding of innocence regarding the bribery substance. www.hidomin.com · www.kyeonggi.com · www.hani.co.kr · www.mbn.co.kr