Professor Jeong Gyeong-shim of Dongyang University Released After Detention Period Expires

by Cho Seongpill

Published 10 May.2020 01:22(KST)

Updated 10 May.2020 09:50(KST)

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[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Professor Jeong Gyeong-shim of Dongyang University was released from Seoul Detention Center at around 12:04 a.m. on the 10th due to the expiration of her detention period.

She was detained on charges including admission bribery and illegal investment in private equity funds and was undergoing a first trial, but she will now continue the remaining trial while not in detention.

Professor Jeong was detained on October 24 last year on charges including use of undisclosed information under the Capital Markets Act and concealment of criminal proceeds.

The prosecution extended her detention period once and then on November 11 of the same year, indicted her on 14 charges including obstruction of official duties by deception and obstruction of business.

At the end of last month, ahead of the expiration of Professor Jeong’s detention period, the prosecution submitted a written opinion to the court stating that it should consider issuing an additional detention warrant.

The Criminal Division 25-2 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Lim Jeong-yeop), which is handling Professor Jeong’s case, heard arguments from the prosecution and defense regarding the issuance of an additional detention warrant on the 29th of last month.

Then, on the 8th, the court decided not to issue an additional detention warrant for Professor Jeong, stating that "since evidence investigation has been conducted, the risk of evidence destruction is low."

Previously, in March, the court had rejected Professor Jeong’s bail request on the grounds that "there is a risk of evidence destruction."

At that time, the court stated, "Although there is no risk of flight, detention is deemed necessary at this point since witness examination regarding the charges has not yet been conducted."