Jin Sang Jung Violates "Return Home Before Midnight" Bail Condition Twice Last Month

In February, Attorney Fined for "Contacting Witness Outside Court"

Jin Sang Jung, former Chief of Political Coordination Office at the Democratic Party of Korea headquarters, who was released on bail (a conditional release with requirements such as a deposit) while standing trial over allegations of preferential treatment in the Daejang-dong development project, was found to have violated the bail condition of "returning home before midnight" twice just last month.

Jin Sang Jung, former Chief of Political Coordination Office at the Democratic Party of Korea headquarters. Yonhap News Agency

According to the legal community on July 8, the 33rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Jinkwan) received notifications from the Seongnam branch of the Suwon Probation Office, which is in charge of Jung's probation, stating that Jung violated his bail conditions on June 12 and June 30 of last month.

Previously, Jung, who had been standing trial in detention, was released on bail in April 2023. The court imposed a condition that he must submit a written report and obtain prior approval from the court if he returns home after midnight or stays out overnight.

However, in June of last year, Jung violated his bail conditions by returning home after midnight while discussing the trial with his attorney, and received a warning from the court. In addition, in February of this year, Jung's attorney was fined 3 million won for contacting a witness outside the courtroom without permission.

Jung, a close aide to President Lee Jaemyung, was indicted and detained in December 2022 on charges including providing preferential treatment to private operators in the Daejang-dong development project and promising to share 24.5% of the ordinary shares owned by the private operators in return (bribery after improper conduct). He has been standing trial without detention since being released on bail in April 2023.

Meanwhile, the Daejang-dong trial of President Lee, which had been merged with Jung's case, has been effectively suspended in accordance with Article 84 of the Constitution, which stipulates presidential immunity from prosecution. The court has decided to separate Jung's case and hold a solo hearing on July 15.