Trial of Yoon Mi-hyang on 'Allegations of Misusing Sponsorship Funds' Stalls for 8 Months

Yoon Mi-hyang, Democratic Party of Korea member [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The trial of Yoon Mi-hyang, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was indicted on charges including embezzlement of donations to the Justice and Memory Foundation (Jeonguiyeokyeondae), is repeatedly stalling.

At the fifth preparatory hearing held on the 31st under the jurisdiction of the 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Moon Byung-chan), the prosecution and Yoon's defense counsel clashed over issues such as access to and copying of investigation records and whether seized items should be returned.

The prosecution pointed out, "This case was indicted in September last year, and for over eight months, only preparatory hearings have been held. A significant portion of this time has been spent on matters related to access and copying of records, which should be conducted separately from the trial." They added, "According to the defense's opinion submitted on the 26th, they are again requesting full access and copying of records, seemingly trying to revert to the first preparatory hearing."

In response, Yoon's defense counsel stated, "There is absolutely no intention to deliberately delay the trial," and submitted a list of evidence in court that day.

As both sides' arguments were sharply opposed, the court mediated, saying, "At the next preparatory hearing, let's organize everything including the complete evidence list, evidence applications, and acceptance of evidence." Originally, the court planned to conclude the preparatory hearings that day, but due to the trial stalling, it was decided to hold one more preparatory hearing. The next trial is scheduled for July 5.

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