Lee Heung-gu "Review Needed for Ex Officio Revocation of Jeon Gwang-hoon's Bail"

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Lee Heung-gu, a nominee for Supreme Court Justice, stated that the revocation of bail for Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church should be actively considered.

On the 2nd, during a confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly, when asked about his personal opinion on the revocation of Pastor Jeon's bail, Lee said, "I have experience revoking bail ex officio when there were concerns such as flight risk, and I will actively consider it."

Pastor Jeon was indicted in custody last March on charges including soliciting support for a specific political party (violation of the Public Official Election Act), but was released on bail a month later. However, the condition was imposed that he must not participate in any rallies or demonstrations that could be related to or illegal in connection with this case. Nevertheless, when Pastor Jeon participated in the Seoul rally on Liberation Day and even spoke on stage, the prosecution viewed this as a violation of bail conditions and requested the court to revoke his bail on the 16th of last month.

Regarding whether he would recuse himself if he were to preside over the case related to former Minister Cho Kuk at the Supreme Court, Lee responded, "I will actively consider recusal." He added, "Regardless of the actual content, since my acquaintance with former Minister Cho has been reported, there seems to be grounds for recusal."

In response to criticism that he answered there were no three records of delinquency despite vehicle seizure records, he said, "I answered relying only on my memory. I apologize for giving an insincere answer." He continued, "Upon checking, it seems that I was fined for being about 14 days late for the vehicle's regular inspection in 1997, but at that time, I was completely unaware of such details."

Meanwhile, regarding the criticism that the election lawsuit alleging fraud in the April 15 general election has not even set its first hearing date, he replied, "I do not know well why it is delayed, so it is not appropriate to comment." However, he said, "If procedures are not being properly followed, I think the Supreme Court should correct that part."

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