Jung Jin-sang's 'Residence Restriction' Standoff... "Repeatedly Going Out Freely" vs "Never Left Seongnam"

Prosecution: "Repeated Daytime Unauthorized Outings" Require Court-Initiated Investigation
Jung Jin-sang: "Notify Probation Office if Leaving Seongnam"

Jeong Jin-sang, former Chief of Political Coordination at the Democratic Party's Party Leader's Office, who was detained on bribery charges and later released on bail, engaged in a standoff with the prosecution over 'residence restrictions.'

Jeong Jin-sang, former Political Coordination Officer of the Democratic Party of Korea's Party Representative Office, is heading to the courtroom on the morning of the 4th at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, to attend the first trial session related to the "42.8 billion won promise and bribery" case.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the first trial held on the 4th under the jurisdiction of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 33 (Presiding Judge Kim Dong-hyun), the prosecution requested the court to clarify the conditions of the residence restriction. Last month, the court reassigned Jeong’s trial to a different division to ensure uniform trial proceedings. Due to the change in the presiding division, the trial renewal procedure was conducted on this day.

The prosecution pointed out that Jeong interpreted the residence restriction as "only needing to sleep at his residence at night," and repeatedly went out freely during the day.

In response, the court asked Jeong, "Do you leave your residence to go out?" Jeong replied, "I live in Seongnam, and if I leave Seongnam, I inform my probation officer," adding, "Other than visiting my mother in Busan, I have not left my residence."

The prosecution requested the probation office to verify Jeong’s location information, but received a response stating, "Information can only be disclosed if a violation is confirmed," and asked the court to investigate where Jeong moves during the day on its own authority.

However, the court drew a line, stating, "(The defendant) is allowed to go out, but is strictly restricted from meeting related parties. If it is confirmed that (he met related parties), disadvantages may be imposed," and added, "There seems to be no need for the prosecution to investigate or conduct inquiries on this matter."

The court also requested Jeong’s side to refrain from actions that could influence the trial through press conferences. The court said, "We will give both sides time to present their opinions in court, so please speak in court," and ordered, "Please hold press conferences only under special circumstances, and understand if it affects the trial or causes controversy."

The court plans to merge this case with the trial of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung’s embezzlement charges after reviewing evidence and listening to witness testimonies by the end of next month. The next trial is scheduled for the 18th of this month.

Jeong was indicted on charges of providing preferential treatment related to the Daejang-dong development and receiving 42.8 billion won worth of shares in Hwacheon Daeyu, a special purpose corporation established by private contractors, as compensation. He is also charged with accepting a bribe of 240 million won from Yoo Dong-gyu, former Planning Director of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation, and instructing evidence destruction.

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