Politician Myeong Tae-kyun Granted Bail in Political Funds Law Violation Case ⚖️

Myeong Tae-kyun, who is on trial for violating the Political Funds Act, and former lawmaker Kim Young-sun have been granted bail by the Changwon District Court. 🥳

The Changwon District Court’s Criminal Division 4, presided over by Judge Kim In-taek, approved the bail requests from Myeong and Kim, who were indicted on charges of violating the Political Funds Act.

The court granted bail with conditions, including restrictions to their residences, requiring them to stay within their designated homes 🏡. They also had to pay a security deposit of ₩50 million (approximately $37,000 USD). Additional obligations include obtaining permission for any change of address, attending court summons, and refraining from destroying evidence.

The court stated, “Considering the progress of the trial and the difficulty in concluding the trial within the detention period, as well as the need to ensure the defendant’s right to defense, we have decided to grant bail.”

Both Myeong and Kim were released approximately five months after being detained on November 15 of last year. Their detention period was set to expire on June 2, six months after their indictment on December 3 of the previous year. The release of the two is contingent upon the prosecution’s final confirmation after verifying the payment of the security deposit.

Myeong’s side had previously requested bail in December of last year, but the court rejected it. Kim had requested bail on February 28.

Myeong and Kim are accused of exchanging ₩80.7 million (approximately $60,000 USD) through Kim’s accounting manager, Kang, between August 2022 and November 2023, related to recommending Kim as a candidate for the National Assembly representing the Changwon Uichang district. 🗳️

They are also indicted, along with former head of the Future Korea Research Institute Kim Tae-yeol, for allegedly receiving ₩240 million (approximately $178,000 USD) from A and B, who ran as candidates for Goryeong County Governor in North Gyeongsang Province and as a Daegu City Councilor, respectively, in connection with nominations for the local elections ahead of the June 1, 2022 elections. 💰

Breaking it down:

• Changwon District Court: Granted bail to Myeong Tae-kyun and Kim Young-sun, who are involved in a political funds violation case.
• Conditions: Residential restrictions and a security deposit of ₩50 million.
• Charges: Accused of exchanging funds related to candidate recommendations and receiving money for nominations in local elections.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing legal situation! 📰