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Lee Jae-myung, the leader of Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, is lifted into an ambulance on Sept. 18 to be transferred to Green Hospital in Seoul’s Jungnang District after receiving emergency medical attention at the Catholic University of Korea Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital. (Yonhap)

Korea’s National Assembly passed a motion on Thursday consenting to Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung to be placed under arrest.

The motion to waive the opposition leader’s constitutionally granted immunity from arrest as a lawmaker comes after prosecutors requested a warrant for Lee’s arrest on Tuesday on charges of breach of trust, subornation of perjury, bribery and violating the law on foreign financial exchange.

Out of the total 295 votes cast on Thursday, 149 were in favor of the motion, while 136 opposed it. There were six abstentions and four invalid votes.

A simple majority is required to pass a motion consenting to the arrest of a member of parliament, given that a majority of members on the register are present for the vote.

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon explains the motion to consent to the arrest of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung at the National Assembly on Sept. 21. (Yonhap)

Considering that Lee had essentially told his party to vote down the motion on Wednesday, this vote is likely to be a coup de grâce for his leadership and prompt substantial discord within the top opposition Democratic Party.

With the motion now passed, Lee will have to appear for examination before a judge, who will determine whether the warrant for his detention is granted.

By Um Ji-won, staff reporter

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