Prison Transport Vehicle Accident Like in a Movie? ... Prosecutors Reveal Kim Bong-hyun's 'Escape Scenario'

Prosecution Submits Evidence of Prison Escape Plan
Kim Bong-hyun "Had No Intention to Execute Escape Plan"

Former Star Mobility chairman Kim Bong-hyun, the main culprit in the 'Lime Scandal,' claimed that he had no intention of carrying out an escape plan, but the prosecution countered that the escape operation plan was detailed.

Former Chairman Kim Bong-hyun of Star Mobility. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 22nd, during the appeal trial for Kim’s embezzlement charges held by the Criminal Division 3 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Lee Chang-hyung, Lee Jae-chan, Nam Ki-jung), the prosecution revealed the contents of the escape plan. The plan included role assignments and the number of personnel needed for the escape, as well as internal diagrams of the prosecution office and the detention center’s structure. Several scenarios were prepared, such as having an accomplice ram the transport vehicle Kim was in when returning to the detention center, or having an accomplice cause a disturbance in court to create a distraction for escape.

Kim stated, "I did write it, but I did not plan it to be executed," and added, "The matter escalated because letters with a fellow inmate were opened." When asked if he offered 2 billion won to Mr. A in exchange for a successful escape, Kim replied, "I did agree in principle, but I never intended to carry it out," and said, "What money do I have to give 2 billion won?" The prosecution continuously pressed him, citing the escape plan as evidence of intent, but Kim repeatedly denied it, saying, "I don’t remember."

The prosecution submitted the escape plan written by Kim as evidence to the court that day. Kim’s defense attorney said, "If it is submitted as a reference, we have no objection, but it is unrelated to proving the charges," while the prosecution stated, "It is decisive for sentencing."

Previously, Kim’s defense also emphasized during the trial that there was no actual plan to escape. Kim refused to testify regarding his older sister meeting an acquaintance of Mr. A outside the detention center and handing over 10 million won as an advance payment for the escape.

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