Will Shim Soobong Testify in Kim Jaegyu's Retrial? "Surviving Eyewitness of the 10/26 Incident"

Prosecution: "Able to Provide Objective Testimony as the Only Eyewitness"

The prosecution has hinted at the possibility of summoning singer Shim Soobong (real name Shim Minkyeong) as a witness in the retrial of the late Kim Jaegyu, former Director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.

The late Kim Jae-gyu, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency (left), and singer Shim Soo-bong. Photo by Yonhap News Agency and Asia Economy DB

According to Yonhap News Agency, at the second hearing of Kim's retrial for murder with the intent of insurrection, held on September 5 by the 7th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (presiding judge Lee Jaegwon), the prosecution made this statement.

Kim was arrested and indicted on charges of murder with the intent of insurrection and attempted insurrection for shooting and killing former President Park Chung-hee and Chief Presidential Security Officer Cha Jicheol at the Gungjeong-dong safe house on October 26, 1979. Shim is a surviving eyewitness who was present at the Gungjeong-dong safe house when former President Park Chung-hee was shot.

Former Major General Kim Jae-gyu, former Director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, reenacting the scene of the incident in 1979 (left). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Kim was sentenced to death in both the first and second trials, and the sentence was carried out just four days after the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal in May 1980. In response, his family filed for a retrial in 2020, arguing that the military court trial at the time was conducted under an unconstitutional state of martial law and that the investigation involved torture and harsh treatment. In February of this year, the Seoul High Court decided to open a retrial, stating that "it can be acknowledged that there was assault and electric torture by the Joint Investigation Headquarters of the Martial Law Command." Although the prosecution objected, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision in May.

The prosecution described the retrial as "a new review of an extremely significant case in modern Korean history." They emphasized that "45 years have passed since the Supreme Court's final ruling, and with new materials, evidence, and research findings accumulated, an objective and thorough review is necessary," adding, "We will proceed from a fair and unbiased standpoint."

Furthermore, the prosecution stated, "Shim is one of the only surviving eyewitnesses present at the scene of the incident and can provide objective testimony," and indicated that depending on the issues clarified in the future, they may officially request her as a witness.

The court is scheduled to summon Bong Jiuk, former reporter for Newstapa, as a witness at the next hearing on September 17. Bong obtained and reported on the original audio tapes from the 10·26 Incident trial.