The First Trial of Lee Seong-yoon in the 'Kim Hak-ui Case'... "I Have Never Been Involved Nor Had Any Motive"

Newly appointed Seoul High Prosecutor Lee Seong-yoon is arriving at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The legal team representing Lee Seong-yoon, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, who was indicted for exerting external pressure in the investigation of former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui's illegal travel ban case, repeatedly claimed innocence at the first trial on the 23rd.

Lee's legal team stated at the first preparatory hearing of the trial for abuse of authority charges against him, held in the Criminal Division 27 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Seon-il) on the morning of the same day, "It is not appropriate to express opinions on the charges in advance, but since the indictment has already been leaked and related investigations are underway, and only one side's claims have been reported in the media, we point out issues within the minimum scope."

The defense said, "The charges in this case consist of involvement in the travel ban process and interference in the investigation by the Anyang District Prosecutors' Office," but added, "Even according to the indictment itself, involvement in the travel ban process is not recognized as related to the defendant, and the defendant did not interfere with the Anyang District Prosecutors' Office's investigation."

The defense argued, "The charges describe parts that are not the defendant's actions as if they were, or as if the defendant conspired," and "The defendant was not involved in the travel ban of former Vice Minister Kim, and handled the work through lawful reporting procedures according to relevant regulations, so there was no motive to interfere with the Anyang District Prosecutors' Office's investigation."

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