'Kim Hak-ui Illegal Departure' Lee Kwang-chul, Says at First Trial "Clarifying Sexual Bribery Is More Important"

Former Blue House Civil Affairs Secretary Lee Kwang-chul, who was indicted on charges of involvement in the illegal travel ban of former Ministry of Justice Vice Minister Kim Hak-ui, is attending a trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 15th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

The first formal trial was held for former Blue House Civil Affairs Secretary Lee Kwang-cheol, Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee Gyu-won, and Legal Researcher Cha Gyu-geun, who are accused of involvement in the 'illegal travel ban on former Ministry of Justice Vice Minister Kim Hak-ui' case.

On the 15th, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 27 (Presiding Judge Kim Seon-il) conducted the first hearing for Lee and others at 10:30 a.m. This was the first trial following four preparatory hearings, and the defendants appeared together in court as required.

They all completely denied the charges. In particular, former Secretary Lee stated, "What is more important is to uncover the truth about Kim Hak-ui's sexual bribery," adding, "It is truly shocking that the prosecution, which indicted Kim Hak-ui and secured a guilty verdict in the related trial, now claims that he is not a suspect." He also said, "There was no action against my professional or personal conscience," and "I hold respect for the court and will ensure that the court understands my concerns regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case."

On the other hand, the prosecution argued, "All defendants knew that Kim Hak-ui could not be subjected to a travel ban, and conspired to abuse their authority to prohibit his departure."

Regarding the defendants' claim that "the indictment procedure was illegal," the court said, "This is not an issue to be decided at the start of the trial," and added, "We will proceed and clarify any points as they become clear, and will express our position again if necessary."

Previously, Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee's side filed a constitutional complaint arguing that "the prosecution's indictment ignoring the request for re-referral from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) is unconstitutional," but the complaint was dismissed. The CIO had transferred the case to the prosecution citing insufficient investigative conditions and sent a letter requesting that the prosecution complete the investigation and then decide on indictment, but the prosecution ignored this and indicted, which is claimed to be illegal.

Former Secretary Lee was indicted in July on charges of leading the illegal travel ban through Researcher Cha and Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee. Researcher Cha and Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee are accused of illegally banning former Vice Minister Kim's departure in March 2019 (abuse of authority and obstruction of rights). The court consolidated the trials considering that former Secretary Lee was identified as a co-conspirator with the two previously indicted individuals.

Meanwhile, the case of Seoul High Prosecutor General Lee Seong-yoon, who was separately indicted on charges of exerting external pressure on the investigation into the illegal travel ban suspicion, is also being heard by the same court. The first formal trial for Prosecutor General Lee will be held on the 20th.

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