Prosecution Summons 'Alibi Perjury' Witness... 12 Days After Kim Yong's First Trial Verdict

The prosecution summoned a witness accused of perjury regarding an alibi in the trial of Kim Yong, former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute (57, in custody), on charges of receiving illegal funds. This came 12 days after the first trial court sentenced Kim to five years in prison and recognized signs of perjury on the 30th of last month.

Kim Yong, former Deputy Director of the Democratic Research Institute. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

According to the legal community on the 12th, the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kang Baeksin) summoned Lee, former director of the Gyeonggi-do Market Promotion Agency (64), for questioning as a suspect that morning.

The prosecution reportedly questioned Lee about the circumstances of contacting Kim's defense attorney before the court testimony and whether there was any coordination regarding the content of the testimony.

Based on the results of the investigation that day, the prosecution is expected to speed up the investigation into whether there was any instruction or conspiracy to commit perjury, while considering the need to summon related parties, including Lee's defense attorney who represents Kim.

The perjury suspicion arose following Lee's court testimony in May. Based on the testimonies of Yoo Dong-gyu, former head of planning at Seongnam Urban Development Corporation, and lawyer Jeong Min-yong, the prosecution concluded that Kim received 10 million won on May 3, 2021, at the office of Youwon Holdings in Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, under the pretext of political funds.

On the other hand, Kim claimed that he was having a business consultation with Lee and others at the Gyeonggi-do Market Promotion Agency office inside the Suwon Convention Center and presented Lee as a witness. To support his testimony, Lee submitted photos of a screen from a mobile phone scheduling application showing the entry "Kim Yong, Shin○○" on May 3. However, he did not comply with the court's request to submit the mobile phone, claiming it was lost.

In August, the prosecution requested an arrest warrant for Lee on charges of perjury and use of forged evidence, but the court dismissed the warrant, stating, "The suspect admits the charges, so there is no concern of evidence destruction."