'Rhyme Scandal' Kim Bong-hyun Trial Delayed Again... Appeal Filed After Bail and Recusal Denied

Starmobility CFO Resubmits Bail and Recusal Request for Judges
Possibility of Further Appeal Even After Court Decision... Uncertainty Over Resumption of Trial

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The trial date for former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun (46, detained), a key figure in the Lime Asset Management scandal who exposed allegations of 'prosecutor and political lobbying,' has been postponed once again. This follows Kim's side filing an appeal against the court's dismissal of their request to recuse the presiding judges.

Previously, Kim had filed a motion to recuse the judges, claiming he was receiving an unfair trial, but this was dismissed on the 29th of last month. The court stated, "Under the Criminal Procedure Act, 'when there is concern about an unfair trial' does not refer to a subjective circumstance where a party might speculate that the trial could be unfair, but rather to an objective circumstance that can be reasonably recognized," and ruled, "This motion to recuse in this case is without merit."

Accordingly, Kim's trial was scheduled to resume on the 8th, but his side submitted an appeal against the court's decision. Additionally, Kim's side has also filed appeals against the denial of bail and the issuance of an additional arrest warrant. Both cases are currently being reviewed by the Seoul High Court.

Furthermore, Kim Mo, the Chief Financial Officer of Star Mobility who is on trial alongside Kim Bong-hyun, has also reportedly reapplied for bail and filed a motion to recuse the judges. Kim Mo submitted a bail application on the 4th and completed the recusal motion on the 6th. Having previously applied for bail with Kim Bong-hyun last month and been denied, Kim Mo's recent applications are interpreted as efforts to secure defense rights amid the nearing expiration of his detention period.

The fact that both individuals have filed motions to recuse the judges again has led to analyses suggesting a stalling tactic. Former Lime Vice President Lee Jong-pil and Lime CEO Won Jong-jun have already completed their trial procedures and are awaiting sentencing scheduled for the 27th. Meanwhile, the trial related to Kim Bong-hyun has been repeatedly postponed without reaching a conclusion.

Amid delays in trial proceedings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and bail applications, the trial process will be temporarily suspended again until the acceptance or rejection of this recusal motion is confirmed. Although the court has set the next trial date for the 22nd, there is uncertainty whether the trial will proceed as Kim's side may file another appeal depending on the outcome.

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