'Twin Students of Sookmyung Girls' High School Accused of Exam Leakage "Please Allow Us to Have a Public Jury Trial"'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The twin daughters, accused of conspiring with their father, the head of the Sookmyung Girls' High School faculty, to leak exam questions, have requested a 국민참여재판 (citizen participation trial).

On the 22nd, during the third hearing presided over by Judge Kim Sang-gyu of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 12, the twins' defense attorney said, "We apologize for the late notice, but we would like to request a 국민참여재판." He added, "We have thought about it a lot, but we want to have one more judgment. Considering the defendants are young, we earnestly ask for this."

The court expressed reluctance, stating, "The trial dates have already proceeded, and as a principle, this case is not subject to a citizen participation trial. It seems somewhat inappropriate."

According to Korean law, only cases under the jurisdiction of a panel of three judges, rather than a single judge, are eligible for a citizen participation trial. The defendant's intention to have a citizen participation trial cannot be changed after the first hearing.

However, the defense attorney appealed, saying, "Based on our review, a citizen participation trial is possible. Although two hearings have taken place, no actual arguments have been made." He requested that the case be reassigned to a panel of judges through the reallocation decision process.

The defense added, "The defendants are undergoing trial amid widespread public distrust, making this a case that would typically avoid a citizen participation trial. Please consider that despite starting under everyone's criticism, they decided to appeal to and consult the public." The court decided to accept the request and determine whether to allow it.