Yoon Youngho's Final Hearing Begins... Spotlight on Revelation of Democratic Party Politicians Supported by Unification Church
Large Crowd Gathers,
Relay Courtroom Set Up for Public Viewing
The final hearing in the embezzlement case of Yoon Youngho, former head of the Unification Church World Headquarters, who was indicted on charges of systematically supporting People Power Party lawmakers before and after the 2022 presidential election, began on December 10. On this day, Yoon reportedly planned to publicly reveal the real names of Democratic Party politicians who received support from the Unification Church during his final statement.
The 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Woo Inseong) began the final hearing at 4:00 p.m. to conclude the trial of Yoon, who is facing charges of occupational embezzlement, violation of the Political Funds Act, destruction of evidence, and violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.
During the hearing, the special prosecutor's team led by Special Prosecutor Min Junggi is scheduled to present its sentencing recommendation, followed by the defense counsel's closing argument and the defendant's final statement.
Earlier, at the hearing on December 5, Yoon stated, "Ahead of the 2022 church event, I made contact and provided support not only to the People Power Party but also to the Democratic Party," adding, "The Unification Church supported both the People Power Party and the Democratic Party, but the special prosecutor's team omitted this from the indictment."
The special prosecutor's team, led by Min Junggi, acknowledged having received this statement from Yoon, but explained that the matter was not subject to direct investigation under the Special Prosecutor Act. Consequently, the team transferred the relevant case records related to Yoon's statement to the National Investigation Headquarters of the police.
Hot Picks Today
"Common in Korea, but One Drop at the End... The Global Craze for the 'Taste of Korea'"
- "Target Price Raised from 650,000 to 1,850,000 Won" Semiconductor Substrate Latecomer Rapidly Narrows Technology Gap [Click e-Stock]
- "It's for Kids, But It's a Mess"... Expired Chicken and Bacteria-Laden Drinks Found
- "I Secretly Made 100 Million Won from Stocks Without My Wife Knowing. How Can I Tell Her Without Getting in Trouble?"... Husband's Dilemma Sparks Buzz
- "Please Make More"... Jensen Huang Sends Another Signal to SK hynix HBM with Signature (Comprehensive)
As a large crowd of reporters and observers gathered to watch Yoon's trial, the court allowed the installation of a relay courtroom where the proceedings could be viewed outside the main courtroom. Typically, when many reporters, court officials, or observers are present for high-profile cases such as National Assembly audits, the court sets up TVs and equipment in adjacent courtrooms to operate a relay courtroom for public viewing.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
