"Kim Bong-hyun Warrant Dismissal Is Abuse of Power"…Seomin Minsheng Committee Files Complaint Against Judge Who Dismissed Warrant

On the 16th, a complaint was filed with the National Police Agency for abuse of authority and violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] A judge who repeatedly dismissed arrest warrants for former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun, a key figure in the Lime Asset Management redemption suspension scandal, has been reported to the police by a civic group amid Kim’s whereabouts remaining unknown a week after his escape.

On the 17th, the Committee for the Protection of the Common People announced that it had reported Hong Jin-pyo, the chief judge in charge of warrants at the Seoul Southern District Court, to the National Police Agency on charges of abuse of authority and violation of the Anti-Graft Act.

Through the complaint, the group stated, "The court firmly dismissed the arrest warrant requests for Kim, who was brought to court by the prosecution after executing a detention warrant," adding, "There is a reasonable suspicion that the decision was influenced by 'preferential treatment for former officials' rather than being based on impartiality, considering that the defense attorney for Kim, who is a high school alumnus and has experience as a warrant judge, was involved."

They continued, "Despite the need for a cold judgment based on fairness, principles, and common sense, the irresponsible conduct that ignored the truth due to emotional ties such as 'school ties and preferential treatment for former officials' is unacceptable," and added, "If the criminal facts are revealed through thorough investigation, applying a strict standard with a zero-tolerance policy and imposing severe punishment according to the law is the path that aligns with public sentiment."

Earlier, the prosecution requested arrest warrants for Kim on September 14 and October 7 to secure his custody after he was released on bail in July last year, but the court dismissed all requests.

The prosecution last requested the cancellation of bail on the 26th of last month, but the court only belatedly approved it at 2:50 p.m. on the 11th, after Kim’s escape. Additionally, the prosecution’s request on the 21st of last month for a communication warrant on a burner phone, which could serve as evidence of possible illegal departure, was also dismissed on the same day due to 'lack of necessity and reasonableness.'

Among these, Judge Hong had previously dismissed the first arrest warrant and the communication warrant requests.

Amid criticism of the court’s decisions following Kim’s escape, it was revealed that Judge Hong and Kim’s defense attorney are high school alumni and had previously worked together at the Seoul Central District Court. It was confirmed that the attorney resigned on the 8th, three days before Kim’s escape.