Key takeaways:

• South Korea's opposition leader Lee Jae-myung acquitted of election law violations.
• This ruling removes significant barriers to his presidential candidacy.
• Lee faces multiple legal challenges but is currently the frontrunner to replace impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol.
• The Constitutional Court's ruling on Yoon's impeachment could trigger new elections within 60 days.

A South Korean appeals court overturned a previous ruling on March 26, 2025, and found main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung not guilty of violating election laws, significantly clearing the path for his potential presidential run. Commenting on the court's decision, Lee expressed that it completely vindicated him, suggesting that the case was politically motivated. He criticized the government for its aggressive legal pursuit, stating, “It is truly outrageous that all this energy and national resources were spent for what is an obvious outcome,” as reported by Reuters.

Previously, the Seoul Central District Court had sentenced Lee to a one-year prison term that could have jeopardized his candidacy, relating to allegations of making false claims during a parliamentary audit in 2021 regarding a land development project where he served as mayor. The latest verdict has illustrated that he remains a strong contender, especially if the recent impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol is upheld by the Constitutional Court, which would trigger a snap presidential election within 60 days.

Despite the acquittal, Lee faces several other ongoing legal battles, including serious corruption charges, which could still impact his political future. His support within the Democratic Party has been steadfast, especially given that opinion polls currently place him as the favored candidate over his rival.

Political analysts, including Choi Jin from the Institute of Presidential Leadership, noted that a series of legal victories has positioned Lee favorably, indicating his resurgence within the political landscape. “This ruling gives Lee a significant advantage and brings him closer to the presidency,” Choi stated. However, some observers express concern over the growing polarization within South Korea's political environment, as detailed by SCMP, suggesting that the court's decision and future proceedings could deepen existing divides among voters.

Lee's acquittal stands as a significant legal victory amid a backdrop of ongoing political turbulence, particularly as the nation awaits the Constitutional Court's forthcoming decision on Yoon's impeachment. This situation beckons heightened scrutiny and involvement, with implications likely reaching into various facets of public policy and governance.

For further information on this evolving situation, refer to the complete articles by SCMP and Al Jazeera.