Case updates
Procedural developments
A reverse-chronological log of procedural developments — hearings, rulings, and filings — as they occur. Each entry is dated, sourced, and written in the same restrained register. This is the page the case-monitoring account mirrors for real-time updates.
Last verified against live sources on 12 July 2026. The most recent procedural development is the 29 June 2026 indictment; the case awaits trial. The Justice Minister's public statement of 29 June 2026 is now documented below and discussed on the Human Rights page.
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Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho published a statement on his official Facebook account describing the case as a serious crime for which "strict criminal punishment… is inevitable," closing with a quotation of Matthew 7:15 ("Beware of false prophets"). What this may raise for the presumption of innocence and state neutrality toward religion is discussed on the Human Rights page.
Source: Jeong Seong-ho, official Facebook (29 Jun); reported by Newsis and Kukmin Ilbo (30 Jun)
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Prosecutors indicted Mr. Lee while he remained in detention, stating that charges nearing the statute of limitations were prioritised while the broader investigation continues. No trial judgment exists.
Source: Yonhap; Korea JoongAng Daily
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A petition for review of the legality of Mr. Lee's detention was filed and dismissed by the court the same day.
Source: Asia Economy
The most recent developments are also reflected on the verified timeline. For the underlying reporting, see the source library.