▲ Yoo Dong-gyu, former Planning Division Head of Seongnam Development Corporation
Yoo Dong-gyu, former Development Division Head of the Seongnam Development Corporation, who was summoned as a witness for the trial of Jeong Jin-sang, former chief of staff for the Democratic Party leader's office, regarding the 'Daejang-dong development scandal,' has failed to appear in court again.
The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Agreement Division 33 (Presiding Judge Lee Jin-kwan) held a continued trial today (June 18) for Jeong, who was indicted on charges related to development scandals in Daejang-dong, Baekhyeon-dong, and Wirye, as well as the Seongnam FC case.
A witness examination for Yoo was scheduled for this morning's session, but Yoo did not appear and did not submit a written explanation for his absence.
The court stated, "It appears that we cannot reach Yoo," adding, "Since the date and time of the trial were notified during the previous session, it appears he is intentionally failing to appear."
Due to Yoo's absence, the afternoon session of the trial was not held.
The court plans to issue an arrest warrant for Yoo if he cannot be reached by this afternoon, and will proceed with the witness examination on the next scheduled date, July 16.
Yoo also failed to appear in court this past February, at which time the court had also issued an arrest warrant.
Jeong was previously indicted alongside President Lee Jae-myung on charges including bribery after improper solicitation, for allegedly providing favors to private developers in the Daejang-dong project and, in return, promising to share 24.5% of the private developers' common stock (42.8 billion won after deducting common expenses).
President Lee's trial has been effectively suspended since June of last year, shortly after his inauguration, in accordance with Article 84 of the Constitution, which stipulates the president's immunity from prosecution. The trial for Jeong's case is currently proceeding separately.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.