Special Prosecutor Requests Permission to Broadcast Kim Keon-hee's Trial... Will the Public Witness Kim's Final Statement?

[Financial News] The special prosecutor team for Kim Keon-hee, led by Min Joong-ki, has submitted a request to broadcast Kim Keon-hee’s trial. The special prosecutor explained that the request was made to uphold the public’s right to know. Should the panel of judges grant permission, Kim’s final statement will be broadcast nationwide.
On the 18th, Hyung-Geun Kim, assistant special prosecutor, stated, "To guarantee the public’s right to know regarding the ongoing trial of Kim Keon-hee, we have requested court approval for a broadcast of the proceedings, specifically limited to the documentary evidence review scheduled for the 19th and the defendant’s examination expected on the 3rd of next month, as stipulated by the Special Prosecutor Act."
According to Article 10, Clause 4 of the Special Prosecutor Act, the panel of judges must allow broadcasting if requested by the special prosecutor or the defendant, unless there are special circumstances. The special prosecutor’s team has limited their request to the documentary evidence review on the 19th and Kim Keon-hee’s examination on the 3rd of next month. During the hearing on the 5th, both the special prosecutor and Kim’s legal team strongly debated the possibility of broadcasting the trial. The panel of judges will review the submitted opinions from both sides before making a final decision.
If the panel of judges approves the broadcast, Kim Keon-hee will appear in public again for the first time in two months since the initial hearing on September 24. At that time, footage showed Kim entering the courtroom and taking her seat as a defendant. If the request is denied, her appearance may not be revealed, depending on whether the sentencing is broadcast.
Meanwhile, the special prosecutor’s team has determined that it will be difficult to summon former President Yoon Suk Yeol and Kim Keon-hee for questioning next week as previously planned. On the morning of the 18th, legal representatives for Yoon and Kim submitted written explanations to the special prosecutor, citing their inability to attend. Yoon, currently facing three criminal trials, stated that he cannot adequately prepare his defense, while Kim cited deteriorating health as her reason for nonattendance.
For now, both have indicated that they will be available for questioning in early December instead of next week. A special prosecutor’s team official explained, "It is realistically difficult to conduct the summons next week," adding, "We will set a new date and notify them at an appropriate time."
As a result, the special prosecutor’s team plans to extend the investigation for a final third period. The current investigation period, already extended once, is set to end on the 28th. The team will request an extension from President Lee Jae Myung on the 19th, aiming to continue the investigation until the 28th of next month and intensify efforts in the final stage. Since allegations such as the 'sale of positions' and 'nomination interference' involving Yoon and Kim have yet to be fully clarified, the special prosecutor is determined to extend the investigation to uncover the truth.
Additionally, the special prosecutor’s team plans to summon Kang Cheol-won, Deputy Mayor, and businessman Kim Hanjeong on the 25th to investigate Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul, regarding the 'Myung Taegyun nomination interference allegations.' Young Tak Cho, CEO of IMS Mobility, will be questioned on the 27th in connection with 'Jibsa-gate.' Kim Sun-kyo, a member of the People Power Party, will be summoned on the 26th regarding the 'Yangpyeong Gongheung District Development Favoritism Allegations.' Seo Seongbin, CEO of Drone Dome, will be questioned on the 20th concerning the 'Vacheron Constantin watch bribery allegations.'
theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter