Former Defense Command Chief Lee Jin-woo's Bail Request Rejected by Court "Risk of Evidence Tampering"

Prosecution: "Evidence of Tampering Already Exists... No Admission of Wrongdoing"

The bail request for former Army Capital Defense Command Commander Lee Jin-woo, who was arrested and indicted on charges including engaging in important duties during the internal rebellion related to the December 3 emergency martial law, was denied.

According to the military on the 13th, the Central District Military Court decided to reject the bail request submitted by Lee's side on the same day, citing "concerns about evidence tampering."

Former Capital Defense Command Commander Lee Jin-woo is attending the 3rd hearing of the "Special Committee on the National Investigation into the Alleged Insurrection Charges through the Declaration of Martial Law by the Yoon Seok-yeol Administration," held at the National Assembly on the 6th. 2025.2.6. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

During the hearing held that morning, Lee's defense argued that the December 3 emergency martial law was a lawful measure and that the charge of internal rebellion does not apply, thus asserting the necessity of granting bail for Lee.

Lee's defense attorney stated, "We believe the president's emergency martial law measure was lawful, and therefore the charge of internal rebellion is not recognized. Furthermore, the defendant, who acted under the orders of the president as the military commander-in-chief and the Minister of National Defense, should not be considered guilty."

The defense also addressed the possibility of evidence tampering, saying, "Since the arrest, sufficient investigation of witnesses has been conducted, and regarding evidence tampering, the defendant is currently on leave from prosecution and cannot return. If there is no concern about evidence tampering, granting bail under the condition that the defendant does not contact those involved in the case is entirely possible."

The military prosecution requested the court to reject the bail request, arguing that there are signs that Lee attempted to tamper with evidence and that he shows no remorse for his crimes. The prosecution stated, "Since the arrest, there has been no change in the reasons for detention, and the defendant committed crimes punishable by life imprisonment or imprisonment of more than 10 years. In particular, there is already evidence of tampering, and there is a risk of repetition, which constitutes grounds for denying bail."

The military prosecution further explained, "Only the first preparatory hearing has been held so far, and no witness examination has taken place. If the defendant is released on bail early, there is a significant risk that witnesses scheduled to testify may be pressured or coerced, limiting their ability to testify freely. Especially given the seriousness of the case and the extremely poor nature of the defendant's crimes, as well as the defendant's complete denial of wrongdoing, it is necessary to maintain the detention."