A Historic Acquittal After 79 Years
Lee Gwan-sul, a man who was executed for his alleged role in the “Joseonjeongpan Counterfeit Currency” case, has been officially acquitted by the Seoul Central District Court after nearly eight decades. This landmark decision came during a retrial held on the 22nd, marking a significant moment in South Korean legal and historical discourse.
The court, presided over by Judge Lee Hyun-bok, delivered a not-guilty verdict for Lee, who had previously received a life sentence for currency forgery. Before announcing the ruling, the court expressed hope that this decision would bring some comfort to Lee Gwan-sul and his family. The case, which dates back to the post-war period, involved accusations that Lee and others printed 12 million Korean won in counterfeit bills six times between October 1945 and February 1946. These actions were reportedly aimed at funding the Joseon Communist Party.
Lee was identified as the ringleader of the operation. In 1946, he was sentenced to life imprisonment by the U.S. Military Government’s Gyeongseong District Court and later executed in 1950 while serving his sentence at Daejeon Prison.
The Retrial Process
The retrial was initiated when Lee’s granddaughter, Son Ok-hee, submitted a request for a review of the case in July 2023. The court eventually decided to proceed with the retrial in October of this year, two years and three months after the initial request. During the sentencing hearing on the 15th, the prosecution requested an acquittal, setting the stage for the final verdict.
The court’s decision hinged on the reliability of evidence used in the original trial. Specifically, it focused on the confessions of co-defendants, which were considered key pieces of evidence. However, the court determined that these confessions were made under illegal detention by the police and could not be accepted as valid evidence.
Legal Context and Implications
At the time of the original trial, the Constitution had not yet been enacted, and specific evidence rules under the Criminal Procedure Act were not established. Despite this, the court noted that the Joseon Criminal Order limited the detention period of judicial police officers to 10 days. It also emphasized that a general legal order requiring adherence to due process under the law had normatively formed.
The court further stated that evidence rules under the Republic of Korea’s Constitution and Criminal Procedure Act can be directly applied to retrial cases involving U.S. Military Government rulings. This decision highlights the evolving nature of legal standards and their application to historical cases.
Public Reaction and Personal Reflections
As the court announced the not-guilty verdict, applause erupted from the spectators’ seats, signifying a sense of relief and recognition of justice being served. After the ruling, Son Ok-hee expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am grateful that South Korea has acquitted my grandfather after nearly 80 years.”
She continued, “This case was the first instance of the U.S. Military Government suppressing the people to protect its political stance. I hope this verdict becomes an opportunity to erase all traces of such history.” Her words reflect a broader desire for acknowledgment and rectification of past injustices.
Conclusion
The acquittal of Lee Gwan-sul after 79 years is not just a legal victory but a symbolic step towards addressing historical wrongs. It underscores the importance of re-evaluating past judgments in light of evolving legal principles and human rights standards. As the nation reflects on this case, it serves as a reminder of the need for justice, accountability, and the continuous pursuit of truth.
