The detention review hearing for former Korea Communications Commission Chairperson Lee Jinsook, held on October 4, concluded after one hour. The court will decide within 24 hours whether to continue her detention or release her.
The Seoul Southern District Court began the detention review hearing for Lee Jinsook at 3 p.m. that day. The presiding judge for the hearing was Kim Donghyun, who was on duty that day.
During the approximately one-hour hearing, the prosecution presented its position on behalf of the police. The prosecution argued that Lee Jinsook had failed to comply with six summonses and that the reason she cited for her absence-a parliamentary filibuster-was not valid since a representative could have attended in her place. Therefore, the execution of the arrest warrant was justified.
On the other hand, Lee Jinsook countered that the police had repeatedly issued unnecessary summonses even after agreeing on a date for her appearance, thereby manufacturing grounds for her arrest. She also emphasized that the allegations of violating the Public Official Election Act and the State Public Officials Act, as claimed by the police, were unfounded.
As with other hearing procedures, the petitioner, their attorney, and the prosecutor were present at the detention review. Attorney Lim Mooyoung, representing Lee Jinsook, told reporters after the hearing that Lee Jinsook felt a sense of shame after being labeled as antisocial when she saw news about her "six absences" on the detention center TV. He added, "The judge asked Lee Jinsook if she was willing to appear, and she replied, 'Of course, I am.'" At around 4:37 p.m., Lee Jinsook left the courtroom, briefly stating, "I explained everything to the judge. Let's wait for the result," before boarding a transport vehicle to return to the Yeongdeungpo Police Station detention center.
The detention review system allows a court to consider a request for release when an individual believes their arrest by investigative authorities is unjustified.
If Lee Jinsook's request is denied, her detention will be extended by approximately 20 hours, accounting for the time it takes for the investigation records to be sent to and returned from the court. In this case, the police are expected to conduct a third round of questioning and will likely consider applying for a formal arrest warrant.
Under the Criminal Procedure Act, the period from the court's receipt of the investigation documents to their return is excluded from the time limit for requesting an arrest warrant for a detained suspect. Conversely, if Lee Jinsook's request is granted and the court decides in her favor, she will be released.
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