Kim Yong, former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute and close aide to President Lee Jae-myung, released on bail after three years
Kim Yong, who was sentenced to prison during the appeals process for alleged illegal political funding amounting to hundreds of millions of won and bribery, was released on bail on the 20th.
Kim was freed from Hwaseong Vocational Training Prison at 10:05 AM that morning.
Immediately after his release, Kim expressed his feelings, saying, "I was arrested in October 2022 and entered Seoul Detention Center three years ago. I thought the prosecution had written a fabricated story, and that I would be out soon, but after three years, I've experienced three detentions, three bail hearings, and now I'm out not on a confirmed acquittal but on bail."
He further stated, "Though many injustices still remain, I believe that the truth will be revealed one by one. With the recent exposure of the prosecution's true nature, I am hopeful that the injustices and false accusations faced by my comrades will also soon be cleared."
Supporters' Welcome and Reactions from the Political Community
Around 100 supporters gathered in front of the prison, holding signs that read "Justice Prevails" and "Kim Yong is Not Guilty," welcoming Kim's release. This scene demonstrated that he still has a strong base of support despite ongoing political controversies.
Han Jun-ho, the head of the Democratic Party's Political Prosecutors Manipulation Response Task Force (TF), was also present at the scene. He congratulated Kim’s bail, saying, "Many comrades have been victimized by the political prosecutors. Today, I truly celebrate the bail of one of them, Kim Yong. Although there is still a trial pending, I hope the court will carefully review the case and deliver a ruling that will be remembered in history. I will continue to fight for those who have been victimized by the political prosecutors."
The Supreme Court's 1st Division (Chief Justice Seo Kyung-hwan) accepted the bail application of Kim Yong, who was indicted on charges of violating the Political Funds Act and bribery under the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes Act.
Bail allows for the release of defendants in custody by suspending their detention upon payment of a certain amount as a guarantee.
Details of Kim Yong's Allegations and Trial Progress
The court imposed conditions for Kim's bail, which include: residence restrictions, a bail amount of 50 million won, mandatory attendance for summons, prohibition of fleeing or destroying evidence, and permission for travel or departure from the country.
Kim is accused of receiving a total of 847 million won in political donations on four occasions from lawyer Nam Wook, in collusion with former Seongnam Urban Development Corporation head Yoo Dong-kyu and attorney Jeong Min-yong, between April and August 2021. He also faces charges of taking bribes totaling 190 million won from Yoo during his tenure as a permanent member of the Seongnam City Council's Urban Construction Committee from February 2013 to April 2014, in exchange for facilitating the establishment of the corporation and the Daejang-dong development project.
In the first trial, the court recognized only 600 million won of the illegal political funds delivered to Kim on May 3, June 8, and between June and July 2021 as guilty, sentencing him to five years in prison, a fine of 70 million won, and recovery of 670 million won. Additionally, out of the 190 million won in bribes proposed by the prosecution, only the 70 million won received in April 2013 was recognized as a bribe.
In February, the second trial upheld the original sentence of five years in prison for Kim and subsequently detained him, leading Kim to apply for bail in April.
Image Source: Kim Yong, former deputy director / News1, News1
