Song Young-gil, the representative of the Pine Tree Party, was released on bail on the 23rd while undergoing a second trial for charges of violating the Political Funds Act. Previously, he was sentenced to two years in prison and was taken into custody during the first trial of this case.
The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 1, presided over by Director General Yoon Seong-sik, accepted Song's bail request on that day. Consequently, Song will undergo the second trial while not in custody.
Conditions for bail include a deposit of 50 million won and restrictions on his residence. He must submit a pledge to attend court and obtain permission from the court when traveling abroad, and he must not communicate with those involved in his trial. Additionally, he is prohibited from contacting individuals involved in the 'Democratic Party of Korea convention money envelope suspicion' case, including lawmakers Heo Jong-sik, Yoon Kwan-seok, Im Jong-sung, former aide Park Yong-su, and former Yeosu Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Park Yong-ha.
Earlier, from January 2020 to December 2021, Song was accused of illegally receiving political funds amounting to 763 million won from seven corporations under the pretext of sponsorship through his external support organization, the Institute for Peace and Living Issues (Meoksa-yeon). He was arrested and indicted in January last year and was released on bail on May 30 of the same year while undergoing the first trial.
Afterward, Song underwent a trial while not in custody, but in January, the first trial court sentenced him to two years in prison and took him into custody. The first trial court found him guilty of receiving illegal political funds. However, he was acquitted of charges related to bribery and involvement in the 'Democratic Party of Korea money envelope case.'
Song appealed the first trial verdict and filed a request for bail with the second trial court on March 5th.