Court Dismisses Kim Yonghyun's Appeal Against Ex Officio Bail, Conditional Release Maintained

Kim Yonghyun’s Detention Period to Expire on June 26

An appeal filed by the legal team of former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun, protesting the court's decision to grant bail ex officio, has been dismissed.

Yonhap News Agency

On June 24, the 20th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Hong Dongki) announced its decision to dismiss the appeal filed by Kim's legal team.

Previously, on June 16, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Guyon) had granted bail ex officio for Kim, who was standing trial in detention on charges of participating in an important mission related to insurrection and abuse of authority. The bail was granted with conditions such as a security deposit.

Kim, who was indicted and detained on December 27 last year, is scheduled to be released on June 26, when the six-month detention period for the first trial expires under the Criminal Procedure Act. In order to prevent Kim from being released without any restrictions, the prosecution requested that bail be granted with conditions, including the submission of a written oath, restrictions on residence, and a security deposit of 100 million won.

Kim's legal team argued, "The court's decision to grant bail is not a release order, but merely a means to unlawfully extend the detention," and filed an appeal with the High Court on June 18.

Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok, in charge of the insurrection case, filed additional charges against Kim on June 18, including obstruction of official duties by fraudulent means and instigation of evidence destruction, and requested the issuance of an additional arrest warrant. The hearing for the additional arrest warrant is scheduled for June 25.