Former Unification Era Research Institute researcher Lee Jeong-hoon, 61, received a hefty five-year prison sentence in the first trial. He was accused of contacting North Korean operatives, reporting on progressive movements, and publishing books praising the North Korean regime.
On Wednesday, Judge Yoon Young-soo of the Seoul Central District Court handed down a five-year prison term and an additional five-year disqualification to Lee for violating the National Security Law. The court also ordered his immediate detention, citing flight risk concerns.
Judge Yoon confirmed that Lee had met with a North Korean agent masquerading as a Japanese-Peruvian named Gonishi. Lee reportedly received directives from North Korea and relayed information about progressive movements back to the regime.
The judge also found Lee guilty of publishing works that glorify North Korea. These include, Essays on the Juche Ideology of the June 1987 Generation, and, 100 Questions and Answers about North Korea. The court determined that these books defended hereditary dictatorship and painted an overly rosy picture of North Korea. Judge Yoon emphasized that Lee’s writings merely echoed and spread North Korean propaganda.
In his ruling, Judge Yoon stated that while the immediate impact of Lee’s actions may not appear substantial, the repeated receipt of North Korean directives and the creation and distribution of pro-regime publications pose a clear danger. If left unchecked, such activities could lead to significant societal upheaval. These crimes were clandestine, premeditated, and occurred frequently over an extended period. It’s particularly concerning that Lee committed these acts despite having previously served time for similar offenses.
In his final statement to the court, Lee implored to please repeal the National Security Law. He urges the court to wake up to the reality of the situation.
Lee faces additional charges for receiving encrypted directives via overseas web storage from October 2018 to September 2019. He allegedly sent 14 reports on five separate occasions. Furthermore, he’s accused of publishing two books that advocate for North Korea’s Juche ideology, hereditary dictatorship, military-first politics, and nuclear armament, violating Articles 7 and 8 of the National Security Law.
Article 7 of the National Security Law prohibits praising or encouraging activities of anti-state organizations or individuals receiving directives from such entities. Articles 8 and 9 outlaw conspiracy, communication, and providing assistance for these activities.
This isn’t Lee’s first brush with the law. In 2006, he was arrested in connection with the Ilshimhoe Incident. Lee, along with four others, was apprehended by the National Intelligence Service for allegedly reporting South Korean developments to North Korean operatives. He served a three-year prison sentence for that offense.