Court Denies Broadcast Request
"No Practical Benefit"
On December 3, Kim Gunhee exercised her right to remain silent during her trial on charges including stock manipulation involving Deutsch Motors, and the court denied the request to broadcast the defendant's examination of Mrs. Kim. During the afternoon session, Mrs. Kim is expected to deliver her final statement, and the special prosecutor's team (Special Prosecutor Min Junggi) will announce its sentencing recommendation.
Kim Gunhee, who was arrested and indicted on charges including stock price manipulation of Deutsche Motors, interference in the nomination of Myung Taegyun, and allegations of solicitation and bribery involving the Unification Church, is attending the sentencing hearing for violation of the Capital Markets Act held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on December 3, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps
The 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Woo Inseong) is holding a continued hearing on this day for Mrs. Kim, who faces charges including violations of the Capital Markets Act.
Before the trial began, the court partially permitted filming in the courtroom, making Mrs. Kim's appearance public. On this day, Mrs. Kim appeared in court wearing a black coat and a mask, assisted by correctional officers.
However, the court denied the special prosecutor's request to broadcast the examination, determining that there was no practical benefit since Mrs. Kim refused to answer questions during the defendant's examination. The defendant's examination is a procedure near the end of the trial in which the prosecutors and others directly question the defendant. Mrs. Kim's side had previously informed the court of her intention to exercise her right to remain silent.
After the defendant's examination, a witness examination was scheduled for Mr. Lee, known as the "first main player," who allegedly introduced Jeonseongbae, also known as Geonjinbeopsa, to Mrs. Kim. However, Mr. Lee submitted a statement of non-attendance, and the special prosecutor's team withdrew its witness request for him.
During the afternoon proceedings, the sentencing recommendation from the prosecution and Mrs. Kim's final statement are expected to take place as part of the closing arguments. As sentencing typically occurs about a month after the closing arguments, it is possible that the verdict for Mrs. Kim will be delivered as early as January.
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