The court conditionally released former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun on the 16th, who was facing charges related to important duties during the state of emergency on December 3. Kim will be able to stand trial without any conditions once his detention period expires on the 26th. In response, the prosecution requested bail, and the court granted it with conditions such as not contacting related parties in the case, including former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
On the same day, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Director General Ji Kwi-yeon, announced that it had made a conditional bail decision for former Minister Kim. The court stated, "Considering that the maximum detention period for first-instance criminal cases under the current criminal procedure law is six months and it is difficult to conclude hearings on this case within that period, along with common practices of imposing bail conditions to secure the defendant's appearance and prevent evidence destruction as the detention period nears its expiration," it confirmed the decision.
Former Minister Kim was detained on December 27 of last year on charges of conspiring with former President Yoon Suk-yeol to commit rebellion and involvement in executing significant duties related to rebellion and abuse of power. Under the criminal procedure law, the maximum detention period for first-instance defendants is six months. The prosecution requested a conditional release for Kim as the expiration of his detention period approached. Kim's side submitted an objection letter, but the court accepted the prosecution's opinion.
The court required that the bail conditions include restrictions on residence, a deposit of 100 million won, and submission of a pledge to appear in court on time. It also stipulated that Kim must not contact any related parties in any manner. Additionally, it was ordered that he must not flee or destroy evidence, and if wishing to travel abroad or for more than three days, he must report to the court in advance and obtain permission. If these conditions are violated, the court can revoke the bail and confiscate the deposit. It may also impose fines of up to 10 million won or detain him for up to 20 days.
Among those indicted in relation to the December 3 state of emergency, only former President Yoon Suk-yeol and Korean National Police Agency Administrator Jo Ji-ho have been undergoing trial without detention. Former President Yoon was released in March when the court revoked his detention. Administrator Jo had his bail request accepted due to treatment for blood cancer. Former Seoul Police Agency Commissioner Kim Bong-sik was detained and indicted on January 8, and his detention period will end next month. Kim's side has already requested bail last month.