Choo Kyung-ho, the newly elected mayor of Daegu, attended his first trial since the election on charges of insurrection for allegedly obstructing a parliamentary vote to lift martial law on December 3.
On June 17, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 34, presided over by Judge Han Seong-jin, held a hearing in Choo's case.
Originally, the trial was set to include testimony from National Assembly member Seo Beom-soo of the People Power Party, but he submitted a notice of absence to the court the day before, leading to the session concluding in just 20 minutes.
Previously, another witness, Ahn Cheol-soo, also failed to appear after submitting a notice, causing further delays in the proceedings.
With witnesses repeatedly absent, the prosecution and Choo's defense engaged in a heated exchange over evidence and witness selection.
The special prosecution team, led by Jo Eun-seok, presented materials related to a meeting with former President Yoon Suk-yeol as evidence. However, Choo's legal team objected, arguing the evidence was inappropriate.
The prosecution stated, "This evidence includes statements from former President Yoon, but it is not intended to prove specific remarks made by Choo. It is meant to establish that Choo was present at the meeting and engaged in conversation there."
In response, Choo's attorney countered, "Just because he was present does not mean he remembers what was said at the time. We cannot agree to this as substantive evidence."
As both sides remained at an impasse, the judge suggested, "How about acknowledging the fact that the defendant was present at the meeting?" Both parties agreed, allowing the evidence to be accepted.
Additionally, a dispute arose over the selection of Kim Jong-hyuk, a former senior member of the People Power Party, as a witness. The prosecution proposed him for the next trial, but Choo's team argued, "It is contradictory to request a witness who was not even investigated during the inquiry. Kim was neither a member of the National Assembly nor a subject of the meeting, so it is hard to understand what more he could clarify beyond existing evidence."
They further stated, "Moreover, since there are already several witnesses with similar testimony, calling another witness for redundant statements is inappropriate."
The prosecution responded, "It is not that he was not investigated; rather, the lack of coercion meant he was not questioned. Kim was present at the People Power Party headquarters and the National Assembly during the martial law declaration and was with Representative Han Dong-hoon at the time," reiterating the need for his testimony.
After hearing both sides, the court approved Kim's witness selection, stating, "Since witness selection has already been completed, the defense should respond with cross-examination." Testimony from Kim is expected in the next session.
Choo's team also requested a change to the trial schedule set for July 1, citing that it coincides with the start of the terms for local government heads, making it difficult for Choo to attend due to official ceremonies.
The prosecution countered, "While the start date is already set, we ask that the trial be rescheduled for another day that week to avoid delays." However, the court reviewed the calendar and decided not to hold the trial on July 1.
The court announced that Seo would be questioned on July 15 and Ahn on July 18. Additionally, the trial will resume after the court's recess on August 12, 19, and 26.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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