'Raim Momtong' Kim Bong-hyun Absent from Final Trial Hearing... Trial Postponed to 16th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Seoyul] The sentencing hearing of former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun, a key figure in the 'Lime Scandal,' has been postponed once again.

On the 12th, the 13th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Lee Sang-ju) announced that the sentencing hearing for former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun, originally scheduled for 2 p.m. that day, has been postponed to 2 p.m. on the 16th.

Former Chairman Kim submitted a letter explaining his absence, stating, "I ask for your understanding as the defendant is unable to attend due to unstable health conditions," and added, "I will attend the next trial date."

The court stated, "The defendant is delaying the trial, and if he is absent again at the next hearing, a warrant for his detention will be issued, and if he remains absent, the trial will proceed in absentia." A trial in absentia refers to a trial conducted without the defendant being present in court.

Former Chairman Kim has been on trial for charges including violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement). He is accused of embezzling 24.1 billion KRW of operating funds from the bus company Suwon Passenger, embezzling 40 billion KRW invested by Lime after acquiring Star Mobility, and embezzling 37.7 billion KRW of assets held by the Veterans' Mutual Aid Association after acquiring it. He is also charged with providing money and entertainment to political circles and the prosecution.

The sentencing hearing was originally scheduled for November 11 last year, but was postponed to that day after former Chairman Kim cut off the electronic ankle bracelet he was wearing as a bail condition near Paldang Bridge in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi Province, about an hour and a half before the trial. Kim was arrested and indicted in May 2020 but was released on bail in July last year, becoming out on bail. With Kim's absence this time, the sentencing hearing has been postponed once again.