Seoul: Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung's judicial challenges are approaching a critical juncture, as a local court prepares to deliver its verdicts on two of his four outstanding criminal cases, observers noted on Tuesday. The impending court decisions, scheduled for this Friday and November 25, hold the potential to significantly impact the political career of the Democratic Party's (DP) chair. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Central District Court is set to issue its ruling on Friday regarding Lee's alleged violation of election laws by making false statements during the previous presidential campaign. Lee, who was indicted in September 2022, faces charges of dishonesty about a controversial land development project pursued by Seongnam city government during his mayoral tenure. Prosecutors have recommended a two-year prison term. If Lee receives a finalized sentence of a 1 million-won fine or more, he risks losing his parliamentary seat and being barred from the 2027 presidential election. Addit ionally, the DP may have to return approximately 43.4 billion won in state funds used for presidential election expenses. In light of the case's significance, members of the ruling People Power Party and others have requested that the court allow a live broadcast of Lee's sentencing trial, though a decision on this request is pending. Furthermore, on November 25, the same court will decide on charges against Lee for allegedly persuading a former Seongnam mayoral secretary to provide false testimony in his favor in 2018. A conviction with a sentence beyond imprisonment without forced labor could lead to Lee losing his National Assembly seat and being disqualified from public office for five years. Prosecutors have demanded a three-year prison sentence in this case. In addition to these cases, Lee is also embroiled in trials related to alleged bribery and other accusations connected to a property development scandal in Seongnam and an illegal $8 million cash transfer to North Korea by Ssangbangwool Group bet ween 2019 and 2020. Simultaneously, Lee's wife, Kim Hye-kyung, is awaiting a critical court ruling this week. The Suwon District Court is expected to deliver its verdict on Thursday concerning charges that Kim provided free meals to several individuals ahead of the 2021 party convention for selecting the DP's presidential candidate. She was indicted for offering meals valued at 104,000 won to the wives of three former and current party lawmakers, as well as three aides, shortly after Lee announced his candidacy for the 2022 presidential race. Prosecutors have sought a fine of 3 million won for Kim.