Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon Granted Bail for 'Violation of Public Official Election Act'... Released After 56 Days (Comprehensive)

Court Imposes Conditions Including 50 Million Won Deposit and Residential Restrictions

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, chairman of the Korea Christian Federation, who was indicted and detained on charges of appealing for support for a specific political party at rallies such as the Gwanghwamun assembly, will now face the remaining first trial while out on bail.

The Criminal Division 34 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Heo Seon-ah) accepted Pastor Jeon's bail request on the 20th.

The court set the following bail conditions: ▲restriction of residence to the defendant's home ▲submission of a written pledge not to destroy evidence and to appear at times and places designated by the court ▲payment of a bail deposit of 50 million KRW ▲no contact by any means including meetings, phone calls, or emails with persons related to the trial ▲prior court approval required for any overseas travel.

With this, Pastor Jeon will be released 56 days after his detention on February 24.

Earlier, during the bail hearing on the 1st, Pastor Jeon's side argued, "He has undergone multiple surgeries on his cervical spine and suffers from diabetes and renal failure," adding, "There is a risk of sudden death, so he must be released."

Pastor Jeon also spoke, saying, "My health was actually at death's door during last year's surgery," and "Since being detained this time, my treatment has been interrupted, causing paralysis symptoms in my neck and arms, making it impossible to eat or wash myself." He continued, "I accept the judgment and trial, but I hope to be allowed to receive treatment first," appealing for his release.

Pastor Jeon was indicted on charges of pre-election campaigning for making several statements at rallies in Gwanghwamun Square ahead of the general election, urging support for the Liberty Korea Party and other right-wing parties in the 21st National Assembly election.

The prosecution also added defamation charges, stating that Pastor Jeon damaged President Moon Jae-in's reputation by saying things like "The president is a spy" and "The president attempted to communistize the Republic of Korea" during the rallies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.