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Kim Byung-ki, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, speaks during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on June 16. / Photo by Song Ui-joo

The Democratic Party expressed strong regret and condemnation on June 16 over the court's decision to grant conditional bail to former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is facing charges related to insurrection and participating in key subversive operations.

Speaking to reporters after the party’s Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, party spokesperson Han Min-soo said, “At a time when the nation is hoping for a swift end to the insurrection, one cannot help but question whether this was a sound decision.”

Earlier that day, the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 25, presided over by Judge Ji Gui-yeon, approved Kim’s conditional release.

“The same bench that previously granted bail to the main figure behind the insurrection has now released Kim, who can be called the second-in-command,” Han criticized.

He further questioned the prosecution's intentions, saying, “Didn’t the prosecution itself request the court to approve conditional bail? One has to ask whether they truly have the will to bring this insurrection to justice.”

Han concluded by vowing that “the Democratic Party will respond with strong condemnation and take firm action going forward.”