Seoul court officials confirm that the principal of Tongil High School, detained on embezzlement charges, has received her sixth temporary release. The decision allows her freedom until 2 p.m. on April 30 for medical treatment.
Latest Court Ruling
Prosecutors from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office presented a detailed review of her detention status on March 27. Judge Woo In-seong approved the temporary release, marking the sixth such instance since her initial detention last September.
Detention decisions aim to shift directly prosecuted suspects into custody. Courts consider factors like fabricated evidence, health emergencies, and guarantees of court appearance. Officials emphasize that mere promises to appear do not suffice without compelling circumstances.
Pattern of Releases
This principal first gained temporary release last November while hospitalized. She remained there through January before readmission. Prosecutors note she receives care only at her lawyer’s designated facility. They highlight limited grounds, including intent, relational changes, and material sufficiency.
Embezzlement Allegations
Investigators accuse the principal, alongside the former Tongil High School vice principal, of diverting 100 million won in designated donations and public funds. In January 2022, funds earmarked for national holiday citizen welfare across 20 major universities totaled 144 million won.
Additional suspicions involve Yoon Jeon, the former vice principal, and Pastor Kim Geon-hui. In July 2022, graphics and nameplates were allegedly embezzled, leading to claims of business damage and vertical fraud at Tongil High School properties.
