Kim Keon-hee Trial: Limited Live Coverage Allowed, Heated Debate Over Evidence

Kim Keon-hee's First Trial Overview

The first trial of Kim Keon-hee took place at the Seoul Central District Court. The court allowed limited filming inside the courtroom and initiated the examination of documentary evidence. The trial saw legal disputes over Kim's health and the evidence presented. Kim Keon-hee appeared in court wearing a black suit. The court decided to permit filming only until the start of the documentary evidence examination.

Kim's Health Concerns

During the examination of documentary evidence, Kim Keon-hee had to be briefly moved on a stretcher due to health reasons, leading to a roughly five-minute recess. Kim's lawyer stated, "Kim's health has been poor recently, making it difficult for her to concentrate on the trial," requesting adjustments to the trial schedule.

Additional Related Case

On the same day, a pre-trial detention hearing for Kim Jin-woo, Kim Keon-hee's brother, lasted for 2 hours and 40 minutes. Kim Jin-woo reportedly testified that he tore up a congratulatory card that Lee Bae-yong, former chairperson of the National Education Commission, gave to President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife.

Special Prosecutor's Suspicions

The special prosecutor's office (Special Counsel) stated that it had evidence that President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife requested data related to public opinion polls from Myung Tae-gyun. They also claimed to have uncovered evidence that Kim Keon-hee received luxury goods from a former high-ranking official of the Unification Church.

Legal Battle Over Evidence

Kim Keon-hee's lawyer refuted the special prosecutor's claims, stating, "They are raising suspicions without clear evidence." The lawyer argued, "Most of the evidence presented by the special prosecutor is based on speculation or comes from unclear sources," objecting to the adoption of the evidence.

Special Prosecutor's Response and Court's Judgment

The special prosecutor's office countered, "We believe there is sufficient evidence to prove the charges, considering the objective data secured through the investigation and the statements of relevant parties." After carefully reviewing the arguments from both sides, the court decided to adopt some of the evidence while determining that additional review was needed for other evidence.

Trial's Future Direction

The special prosecutor's office emphasized, "It is important to conclude the trial as quickly as possible to reveal the truth of the case." The court decided to adjust the trial schedule, taking Kim's health into account, while ensuring that the trial does not drag on excessively. The next trial is scheduled to take place in two weeks, during which the special prosecutor's office will submit additional evidence, and Kim's side will proceed with rebuttals.