Former Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chairperson Lee Jin-sook speaks to reporters after her release on the 4th. Hanmi Ilbo. Former KCC Chairperson Lee Jin-sook, who had been held in custody following an emergency arrest, was released on the 4th. 

In a press conference held immediately after her release following the court’s decision, former Chairperson Lee criticized the authorities, stating, "After witnessing the violent behavior of the police, I couldn't help but wonder what the situation must be like for ordinary citizens." 

Former Chairperson Lee remarked, "The judiciary has removed the handcuffs placed on me by the police and the prosecution," adding, "I feel a glimmer of hope seeing that democracy still seems to exist in some corner of the Republic of Korea."

She further emphasized, "Along with the President's schedule, what we see most frequently now are scenes from courtrooms, detention centers, and holding cells," asserting, "The underlying message captured in the images you are seeing is that if you go against the President's wishes, you, too, could end up in a holding cell."

She expressed her gratitude, saying, "It was the power of the citizens that stopped this," and "I thank all those who have sent their support from everywhere."

Citizens gathered at the scene to celebrate the release of the former Chairperson.

Former KCC Chairperson Lee Jin-sook speaks to reporters after her release on the 4th. Hanmi Ilbo. 

The Seoul Southern District Court granted the request for a review of the legality of the arrest (habeas corpus) and ordered her release.

The court explained its decision, stating, "Detention should be approached with caution when the reason for confinement involves a restriction on freedom of expression, which is a core constitutional right." 

It further noted, "A significant portion of the investigation has already been conducted, there is no dispute over the facts, making the likelihood of further investigation low, and the former Chairperson has promised to attend future proceedings faithfully."

The court added, "Considering these points comprehensively, we judge that the necessity for arrest is not maintained at this stage."

Following the court's decision, the former Chairperson, who had been held at the Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul, was released around 6:45 PM that day.

She had been arrested at her home around 4:00 PM on the 2nd.

Prior to her release, patriotic civic groups, including the Citizens' Group for Blocking the Broadcast, Media, and Communications Committee, held a protest press conference at the Yeongdeungpo Police Station starting at 2:00 PM, strongly condemning the government.

Oh Hee-soo, Chairperson of the National Association for Free Democratic Education, criticized the move, saying, "Emergency arresting her when there was no risk of flight shows that they had a specific scenario in mind and were plotting to detain her," adding, "Those who frame non-insurrection cases as insurrection and even arrest their own leaders are nothing more than political police."

Joo Yo-seop, co-representative of the National Action for Free Human Rights (Pastor), also strongly criticized the government, stating, "It is incomprehensible that former Chairperson Lee Jin-sook was emergency arrested on the grounds of a flight risk." 

Editorial Department