Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Granted Conditional Release

Kim Yong-hyun (김용현), the former Minister of National Defense, who was arrested on charges of participating in a coup during the emergency martial law on December 3, has been granted conditional release. On June 16, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Ji Gwi-yeon (지귀연), announced the approval of Kim's bail. The court explained that the maximum detention period for the first trial is six months, and it would be difficult to complete the case proceedings within that timeframe. They also noted that it is common practice to impose conditions for bail to ensure the defendant's appearance as the detention period approaches its end.

Kim was the first among those arrested on coup-related charges on December 27 of last year. According to the Criminal Procedure Act, his detention was set to expire on June 26. As the expiration date approached, the prosecution requested conditional bail from the court, which was granted. Although Kim's legal team had previously withdrawn a bail request, they expressed opposition to the current conditional bail, which was ultimately not accepted.

The conditions of Kim's bail include a deposit of 100 million won and restrictions on his residence. Additionally, he is prohibited from contacting other defendants, such as former Intelligence Command Chief Noh Sang-won (노상원), or their representatives. He must also submit a pledge not to destroy evidence or leave the country without court permission. If he violates these conditions, the court can revoke his bail and confiscate the deposit, impose a fine of up to 10 million won, or detain him for up to 20 days.

With this decision, Kim becomes the third individual involved in the coup to be tried while not in custody, following former President Yoon Suk-yeol (윤석열) and Police Chief Jo Gi-ho (조지호). Earlier, the same court had canceled Yoon's detention in March and accepted Jo's bail request due to his battle with blood cancer.

Meanwhile, the trial concerning Kim and other military officials, including Noh, continued with its ninth session on June 12, where testimonies regarding premeditated military planning prior to the emergency martial law were presented.