'Renewal Procedure' Causes Delay in Daejangdong Trial... "Replay Recordings of Previous Witnesses"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The trial concerning allegations of preferential treatment and lobbying in the Daejang-dong development project in Seongnam City is currently delayed due to the renewal procedure of the trial following changes in the composition of the panel. Most of the defendants' attorneys argue that the recorded files of witness examinations conducted in previous trials must be played and listened to again in court according to proper procedure.

On the 24th, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 22 (Presiding Judge Lee Jooncheol) held the 8th and 9th hearings over two days, including the 24th and 25th, for five individuals: former Seongnam Urban Development Corporation Planning Director Yoo Donggyu, Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management (Hwacheon Daeyu) major shareholder Kim Manbae, lawyer Nam Wook, accountant Jung Younghak, and lawyer Jung.

On the 8th hearing day, the court stated, "Since the composition of the trial panel has changed, we will initiate the trial renewal procedure," but asked both the prosecution and defendants whether simplifying the procedure would be preferable for faster trial progress. This procedure was due to the recent regular personnel changes in the court, which replaced all three members of the trial panel. Typically, criminal defendants agree to a simplified summary of previous procedures during the trial renewal process.

However, most defense attorneys strongly insisted, "The trial renewal procedure should be conducted according to the principle." The attorney representing former Director Yoo said, "We cannot agree to a simplified process," adding, "This case involves extensive records and highly contentious factual disputes." He further stated, "Since all three judges have changed, I believe the principled method should be followed. As far as I know, the investigation can only be conducted by playing and listening to all the recorded files."

On the other hand, the prosecution argued for simplification, saying, "It is necessary to proceed smoothly and swiftly." Accountant Jung's side was the only defendant group supporting the simplification of the trial renewal procedure. Jung's attorney said, "Renewing the procedure by playing all the recorded files of the witness examinations is somewhat inefficient," and added, "Even if legal procedures are followed, I think there are some simplified procedures."

The court ultimately stated, "If even one defendant does not agree to the simplified procedure, we must proceed according to the law." However, the court requested the attorneys to review whether some witness recordings could be omitted and decided to play the recordings at an accelerated speed.

As a result, the originally scheduled witness examinations and other proceedings were postponed. Accountant Kim Mingul, who worked as the head of the Strategic Business Office under former Director Yoo during the project, appeared in court for witness examination, but due to the considerable time required for the trial renewal procedure, the court decided to reschedule the examination.

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