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/Souce: Yonhap News

The legal team of former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has received the prosecution’s appeal brief in his election law violation case, prompting the Supreme Court to swiftly begin proceedings.

According to legal sources on April 14, Lee's side obtained the appeal document on April 11 and must submit a response within 10 days. Once completed, the court will assign a presiding justice and officially begin reviewing the case.

Observers say the court’s rare move to deliver the documents in person—after Lee previously failed to receive them—signals an intent to expedite the case.

Some legal experts suggest the court may aim to adhere to the strict timeline set by the Public Official Election Act, known as the “6-3-3 rule,” which mandates a first ruling within six months of indictment, and appeals within three months each. If followed, a final ruling could be handed down by June 26.

“The Supreme Court seems determined to conclude the case swiftly,” said one lawyer in Seocho-dong. “Lee’s legal team has already exhausted every delay tactic since the first trial. Further delays could raise accusations of bias.”

He added that the court’s decision to hand-deliver the appeal “shows its intention to proceed promptly,” and that it is “likely trying to avoid dragging the case out during a politically sensitive period.”

However, if the justices find grounds for conviction contrary to the appellate court's acquittal, the case may face significant delays. One legal insider noted that a retrial at the Seoul High Court followed by another potential Supreme Court appeal could stretch the timeline by over six months.