Huh Kyung-young Files Third Bail Request Over Fraud and Quasi-Forcible Molestation Charges

Both Previous Bail Requests Denied
"Turning 80 Next Year... Health Concerns Raised"

Huh Kyung-young, Honorary Representative of the National Revolutionary Party, who is currently detained on charges including fraud and quasi-forcible molestation, has applied for bail for the third time.

On June 4, during a hearing before the 11th Criminal Division of the Uijeongbu District Court (presiding judge Yang Cheolhan), the court conducted a bail review at the request of Huh's legal team.

Heo Kyungyoung, Honorary Representative of the National Revolutionary Party, is answering questions from reporters after making a statement at the Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency in Geumo-dong, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do on July 19, 2024. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Huh's legal team argued that the current detention warrant is nearing expiration and requested that he be tried without detention. They stated, "The defendant will turn 80 next year, and as of today, he has been in custody for one year and 19 days. He underwent hernia and disc removal surgeries but has suffered severe pain as he was detained before full recovery." They also requested, "In accordance with the constitutional presumption of innocence, please allow him to stand trial without detention so that he can fully exercise his right to defense."

The prosecution opposed the request. They argued, "There is a risk of evidence destruction, and there is also a possibility that he could persuade relevant individuals to change their statements," emphasizing the necessity of a detention warrant for additional merged cases.

On this day, Huh completely denied all charges. He stated, "The alleged victim’s claims are 100% fiction," and questioned, "Would someone who has run for office multiple times violate the Political Funds Act?" Regarding the quasi-forcible molestation charge, he said, "I have been offering free meals for 55 years, and due to my obsession with cleanliness, I only meet people in public places." He added, "I am extremely sensitive to odors and can hardly stand being with someone for more than a second—how could I possibly commit molestation?"

Previously, Huh applied for bail twice last year, once in August and again in December, but both requests were denied in November and February of this year, respectively. The trial for violations of the Political Funds Act and embezzlement has concluded, while the fraud and quasi-forcible molestation case is ongoing following a change in the judicial panel. A decision on the bail request is expected as early as next week.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.