SEOUL, Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung again did not show up for a court hearing on corruption charges on Tuesday, leading the court to issue a warning that it could consider bringing him to attend hearings by force.

A bench at the Seoul Central District Court issued the warning after Lee, chair of the Democratic Party, did not attend a hearing held for a bribery case he is facing in connection with property development projects conducted during his previous term as Seongnam mayor.

Citing his duties as a party leader, Lee had requested the previous day permission from the court to be absent during Tuesday’s hearing, but the court did not grant the request.

During the previous court hearing on the case a week ago, Lee was absent in the morning session and belatedly showed up for the afternoon session. That day, Lee attended a party event to launch an election strategy committee.

During Tuesday’s hearing, prosecutors demanded the court compel Lee to appear for hearings if his court absence is repeated.

Le
e’s lawyer argued that the court should fully consider the importance of elections, for which Lee is currently working as the leader of the main opposition party. Lee’s side also requested court permission for Lee to skip hearings until the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 10.

The court rejected the request, saying court hearings should not proceed in consideration of political matters.

“If Lee again does not attend the next hearing set for next Tuesday, we will consider forceful summons,” the court said.

The court postponed Tuesday’s hearing after a key witness in the case refused to testify in the absence of Lee.

Source: Yonhap News Agency