Prosecutor Son Joon-sung in 'Gobal Saju' Case, First Trial Today

Prosecutor Son Jun-sung (former Chief of the Investigation Information Policy Office at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office), identified as a key figure in the alleged report-for-reward scandal, is attending the second pre-arrest hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 2nd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The first trial of Son Junsung, the Human Rights Protection Officer at Daegu High Prosecutors' Office, who was indicted on the so-called 'accusation inducement' allegations, will be held on the 27th.

At 2:20 PM on the same day, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 27 (Presiding Judge Kim Okgon) is scheduled to conduct the first preparatory hearing for Son, who was indicted on charges including violation of the Public Official Election Act.

During the preparatory hearing, the defendant's position on the charges will be confirmed, and a plan for evidence investigation in preparation for the trial will be established. Unlike the formal trial, the defendant Son is not obligated to appear in person.

Previously, Son was brought to trial on charges including conspiring with Kim Woong, a member of the People Power Party and then a candidate of the United Future Party during the April 2020 general election, while working as the Investigation Information Policy Officer at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, to influence the general election.

The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (Public Officials Corruption Investigation Office, PCO) viewed that Son exchanged complaints and real-name verdict documents concerning multiple ruling party figures with Kim, aiming to form negative public opinion against the Democratic Party side.

The conclusion of this case is expected to affect the trial on charges of violation of the Public Official Election Act against Choi Kangwook, a member of the Democratic Party. Recently, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 6-3 (Presiding Judges Kang Gyeongpyo, Won Jongchan, Jeong Chongryeong), which is currently hearing Choi's appeal trial, stated, "It seems necessary to verify the facts of the (accusation inducement) allegations, so related case hearings should be conducted." Accordingly, they decided to suspend the appeal trial until the related facts are clarified.

Choi was indicted for appearing on an internet podcast before the 2020 general election and publicly stating that "the allegation of falsifying an internship confirmation letter for the son of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk is untrue," and was sentenced to a fine of 800,000 won in the first trial. However, he denies the charges, claiming prosecutorial abuse of power.