The first preparatory hearing for the trial of former President Moon Jae-in on 'bribery charges' was held on the 17th at the Seoul Central District Court. This case involves the indictment of former President Moon related to the overseas preferential employment of his son-in-law. Former President Moon requested to be tried at the Ulsan District Court, which is close to his residence, but the Central District Court panel did not accept this request.
The preparatory hearing was conducted under the 21st Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Director General Lee Hyun-bok. Former President Moon did not appear in court. The defendant is not obligated to attend the preparatory hearing.
Former President Moon was indicted without detention on April 24 in connection with this case. He is accused of having received a bribe of 217.87 million won by facilitating the preferential hiring of Seo Mo, who was the husband of his daughter, during his presidency, at the Thai airline Thai AirAsia, which was effectively owned by former Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sang-jik. At the time, a representative from the Jeonju District Prosecutor's Office said, "The incident primarily occurred at the Blue House located in Jongno District, Seoul; hence, the indictment was filed at the Central District Court."
Former President Moon submitted a request for transfer to the court on the 11th. He requested to be tried at the Ulsan District Court, which has jurisdiction over his residence in Yangsan, Gyeongnam. Additionally, former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik, who was indicted along with former President Moon for allegedly giving him bribes, also requested to be tried at the Jeonju District Court, which has jurisdiction over his residence.
On that day, the Central District Court panel did not accept the transfer requests from both individuals. The panel stated, "Considering the current status of the court's judicial facilities and support, and media accessibility, we believe it is reasonable to hold the trial at the Central District Court for a swift and fair trial," and decided not to accept the transfer request.
In response, former President Moon's attorney expressed the intention to apply for a jury trial. A jury trial allows ordinary citizens to come forward as jurors and give their opinions on guilt or innocence to the court. This is often applied for by defendants who believe that appealing to public opinion may be advantageous.
In response, the Central District Court panel stated, "We will decide whether to proceed with the jury trial at the next preparatory hearing." The next preparatory hearing is scheduled for September 9.