Jeong Junho's 'Fateful August'... Verdict Expected in Prosecutors' Re-Indictment Case

Whether the Statute of Limitations Has Expired Is Key
Court to Review Request for Constitutional Review
Jeong Denies Operating Telemarketing Campaign

Jeong Junho, member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Yonhap News

The first trial verdict for Jeong Junho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Gwangju Buk-gu Gap, who has been indicted on charges including illegal electioneering during the 22nd National Assembly election process, is expected to be delivered as early as August 2026.

On March 9, the 12th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court (Chief Judge Jang Wooseok) held a hearing for Assemblyman Jeong, who was indicted for violations of the Public Official Election Act and the Political Funds Act, and carried out a renewal procedure due to a change in the composition of the court. The court announced its plan to proceed with about three rounds of witness examinations, hold the final arguments hearing in July, and render the verdict around August.

Assemblyman Jeong was indicted on charges including instructing telemarketers to make approximately 15,000 promotional calls and paying them for their work during the Democratic Party’s primary ahead of the April 10, 2024 general election. He is also accused of accepting 50 million won in political funds from a construction company CEO in exchange for hiring the person as a parliamentary aide.

Previously, the case was initially dismissed due to procedural defects stemming from the prosecution’s failure to separate investigation and indictment duties. However, after the prosecution supplemented the case and refiled the indictment, the legal battle has continued for nearly two years. On this day, Assemblyman Jeong’s side reiterated its argument that the prosecution’s reinstitution of charges was illegal and that the statute of limitations had already expired.

Assemblyman Jeong’s defense attorney argued, “Since the initial indictment itself was invalid, the effect of suspending the statute of limitations should not be recognized, and therefore a ruling of acquittal should be delivered.” Regarding the political funds charge, the defense completely denied any substantive wrongdoing, stating, “At the time, Jeong was focused on his work as a lawyer, and the money received was office operating expenses.”

The court stated that it would “further review” the request to refer the case for constitutional review, which was filed by Jeong’s side, and decided to proceed with the trial as usual until a decision is made on the referral. The next hearing is scheduled for witness examination on April 27, 2026.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.