Prosecution Opposes Kim Yong's Bail, Claims "Illegal Funds Case Politically Distorted"

by Kim HyeongMin

Published 13 Apr.2023 18:40(KST)

The prosecution requested the court to issue an additional arrest warrant, claiming that Kim Yong, former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute and close aide to Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is trying to politicize the illegal political funds case.

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On the 13th, during the bail hearing for former deputy director Kim held at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 23 (Presiding Judge Jo Byung-gu), the prosecution criticized, "Even while in detention, he keeps trying to politicize and distort the case."

They added, "The defendant, through an acquaintance, learned that an investigation and search were imminent and hid his mobile phone three days before his arrest," asserting, "He was aware of the search conducted under secrecy and prepared in advance."

They also stated, "It was confirmed that there were login records of the defendant’s computer access during the Democratic Research Institute search," and urged, "Please consider that there are individuals who are deliberately and systematically attempting to distort the substantive truth of this case." The prosecution also pointed out that Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Seong-ho visited former deputy director Kim and mentioned the intent to 'create an alibi.'

The prosecution further emphasized, "The content of the defendant’s meetings specifically mentions gathering defamatory information about Yoo Dong-gyu. There remains a concern of organized harm," stressing the need to issue an additional arrest warrant.

In response, former deputy director Kim’s side requested bail, saying, "Yoo Dong-gyu is active on YouTube, so it is hard to understand who is threatening whom, and the hearings for key witnesses have concluded."

Former deputy director Kim also said, "It has been five months since I entered detention, and I am experiencing great difficulty in exercising my right to defense," adding, "I will abide by the court’s decision."

The court announced that it will hear additional opinions from both sides by the 20th and decide on Kim’s bail.