The first trial of the case of bribery of former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-eui, which was returned to the High Court by the Supreme Court saying that the prosecution's suspicion of persuading witnesses cannot be ruled out, will be held today (2nd).
Seoul High Court Criminal Division 3 Park Yeon-wook, Kim Gyu-dong, Lee Hee-joon, and Lee Hee-jun, will hold a retrial hearing on former Vice Minister Kim, who was handed over to trial on charges of bribery under the Specific Crimes Aggravated Punishment Act at 11 a.m. today.
Former Vice Minister Kim was found guilty of receiving 43 million won from Choi, a construction worker who acted as a 'sponsor' between 2000 and 2011.
At the time of the indictment, former Vice Minister Kim was also charged with other bribes, including receiving 130 million won from Mr. Yoon Jung-cheon, a construction company between 2006 and 2008.
The allegation of 'sexual entertainment' at Yoon's villa, which was controversial, was also acquitted as the statute of limitations expired.
The Supreme Court overturned the lower court's judgment in June with the purport that "the prosecution must prove that Mr. Choi's sudden change of statement unfavorably to former Vice Minister Kim at the appeals trial was not due to pressure and conciliation from the prosecution." and returned the case to the Seoul High Court.
Witness Choi initially refused to admit that he had bribed Kim, but changed his position after the prosecutor's 'pre-interview'.
Kim, who was released on bail with the Supreme Court's ruling on remand, is expected to appear in court today.
(Photo = Yonhap News)