'Prosecutor Alcohol Entertainment Exposure' Kim Bong-hyun Bail Hearing Postponed to Next Month 2nd

COVID-19 Spread Impact... Nambu Detention Center Staff Confirmed Positive
Detention Center States "Difficult for Defendants to Appear"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The electronic bail hearing date for former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun (46, in custody), who exposed allegations of prosecutors receiving alcohol entertainment, has been postponed to next month. This is due to disruptions in the defendant's appearance at trial after a Seoul Southern Detention Center official tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the Seoul Southern District Court on the 26th, a notice was received that it is difficult for defendants, including former Chairman Kim, to appear from the Seoul Southern Detention Center where they are held. This follows a COVID-19 positive diagnosis of a detention center official's family member on the 24th, and the official themselves testing positive on the 25th.

The Seoul Southern District Court announced that all hearings scheduled for the 26th and 27th before Criminal Division 13 (Presiding Judge Shin Hyuk-jae) will be postponed to next week. Accordingly, Kim's electronic bail hearing, originally set for the morning of the 27th, has been rescheduled to December 2nd.

Earlier, Kim applied for bail on the 6th. In a letter from prison released last month, Kim mentioned, "Why was the electronic bail system created if it cannot be utilized?" which is interpreted as his request for bail under the condition of wearing an electronic monitoring device.

However, due to the current spread of COVID-19, the decision on Kim's bail approval will also be made next month.