The trial panel handling the 'Daejang-dong case' involving Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, will be replaced. If the trial panel is changed, the trial may be prolonged due to the need to undergo a trial renewal procedure.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is accused of breach of trust in the Daejang-dong case and bribery related to Seongnam FC, is attending a trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on February 14, 2025. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung
The Criminal Division 33 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Kim Dong-hyun) held a trial on the Daejang-dong, Baekhyeon-dong, Wirye New Town development corruption cases and the Seongnam FC case on the 18th, conducting the cross-examination of witness Yoo Dong-gyu, former Planning Director of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation.
After the witness examination, Chief Judge Kim Dong-hyun said, "I applied for a personnel transfer, and usually if I am to remain, they inform me. Although the office assignment announcement has not been made yet, since I have not received such information, I believe there is a high possibility that the presiding judge will change."
Both associate judges are confirmed to be replaced. On the 24th, Judge Ahn Geun-hong will move to the Sangju branch of Daegu District Court and Daegu Family Court, and Judge Kim Tae-hyung will transfer to the Busan High Court. In February last year, all associate judges were replaced, and the trial renewal procedure took about a month.
According to the Criminal Procedure Act, when the composition of the trial panel changes, both parties must reaffirm their positions on the charges, and evidence must be re-examined.
The court’s office assignment announcement is scheduled for later this week. Whether Chief Judge Kim Dong-hyun will be transferred will be decided then.
The prosecution indicted Lee on March 22 last year on suspicions related to Wirye New Town, Daejang-dong, and Seongnam FC, and additionally indicted him on October 12 of the same year on charges related to Baekhyeon-dong.
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