Oh Se-hoon Appeal Judge Flags Legal Gap Over Prosecutors Seconded to Special Counsel

The appeals court hearing the case of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon over allegations that a businessman paid his opinion poll bills on his behalf pointed to a problem with courtroom arguments by prosecutors seconded to the special counsel team following the abolition of the Prosecution Service. The court said the relevant legal provisions are unclear and could become an issue later.

The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 7, presided over by Senior Judge Ku Hoe-keun, held the final hearing on the 2nd in the appeal of Oh, former Seoul Vice Mayor for Political Affairs Kang Chul-won and businessman Kim Han-jung, known as a backer of the mayor, who were indicted on charges of violating the Political Funds Act.

Before the final hearing began, the court raised the issue of seconded prosecutors following the abolition of the Prosecution Service. "With regard to supervision of prosecutions, the Prosecution Service has been abolished and replaced by the Public Prosecution Office, and there appear to be cases where secondment becomes a problem," the court said. "Looking at the law, it does not seem to be clearly set out." The court then asked that the deputy special counsel conduct as much of the argument as possible, citing variables that could arise during the proceedings.

The hearing proceeded with closing arguments and a sentencing recommendation from Special Counsel Min Joong-ki's team, followed by the defense's closing arguments and final statements from the defendants. Arriving at the hearing, Oh said, "The truth always comes out. Please keep watching."