First Lady Kim Keon-hee attends her first trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 24th, facing charges of stock manipulation in Deutsche Motors and allegations of receiving funds from the Unification Church. Yonhap News. 

The defense for First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who is on trial after being indicted on charges including violations of the Capital Markets Act, engaged in a fierce battle with the special prosecutor's team during a bail hearing.

While Kim's side requested her release due to health issues, the special prosecutor's team countered that there were significant concerns about tampering with evidence, such as collusion with her aides regarding testimonies, if she were to be released.

The Criminal Settlement Division 27 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Woo In-seong) held a bail hearing for Kim on the 12th. Kim, dressed in a black suit, entered the courtroom with the assistance of a correctional officer, wearing a mask.

Kim had filed for bail on the 3rd, stating that she needed to undergo trial without detention due to symptoms of dizziness and anxiety.

Kim's legal team argued during the hearing that "Ms. Kim had collapsed and lost consciousness several times in the past" and that "her health condition is significantly poor due to inadequate treatment while in detention."

They further requested, "The trial is in its final stages, and witness examinations are almost complete, so there is no concern of evidence tampering. We request that bail be granted so she can receive proper treatment as much as possible."

Kim's side repeatedly pleaded, "We can accept all conditions, such as restricting her residence to her home and a hospital, prohibiting the use of a mobile phone, and attaching an electronic device. Please allow her to stand trial at her home instead of in detention."

In contrast, the special prosecutor's team emphasized the gravity of the case and countered that there are significant concerns about evidence tampering, citing circumstances where Kim allegedly colluded on testimonies and made false statements with former presidential secretaries Yoo and Jeong, and with Jeon Seong-bae of Geonjin Beopsa.

The special prosecutor's team pointed out, "Former secretaries Yoo and Jeong visited Ms. Kim multiple times at the Southern Detention Center from August to October. These two intentionally failed to appear for their scheduled witness examinations after meeting with the defendant, and they did not answer phone calls."

They strongly argued for the denial of bail, stating, "If the defendant is released, the possibility of collusion on testimonies with former secretaries Yoo and Jeong will likely increase significantly, and there is a high possibility of influencing Mr. Jeon."

Furthermore, they stated, "The defendant's release could be interpreted as another political act. We request that the bail application be dismissed."

In response, Kim's side stated, "Former President Yoon Suk-yeol is also being prosecuted while in detention. We ask for consideration as to whether it is too harsh to have the couple detained simultaneously and hold trials through three special prosecutor teams." They added, "The defendant's memory is not fully intact, and her mental state is considerably unstable, as evidenced by her muttering to herself in detention and speaking unintelligibly in her sleep."

Regarding the meetings with former secretaries Yoo and Jeong, they claimed, "They did not do much other than talk about her pet dog and medication. Ms. Kim suffers from severe psychological distress, and the purpose of meeting with former secretary Jeong was to hear news about her pet dog and stabilize her mental state."

Kim herself did not make any direct statements, but listened with her head bowed throughout the hearing.

Kim, who faces charges of violating the Capital Markets Act (Deutsche Motors stock manipulation allegations), the Political Funds Act (election interference allegations), and the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, etc. (bribery allegations involving Geonjin Beopsa and the Unification Church), was arrested on August 12th and indicted on August 29th.

Yonhap News