The Minjung-ki Special Investigation Team, which has been investigating various allegations against Kim Geon-hee, faced significant procedural issues in a trial against a KOSDAQ-listed company's chairman accused of aiding in the escape of Lee Gi-hoon, a key figure in the Ssangbu Construction stock manipulation case. During a scheduled trial session, the court was to review evidence and hear final opinions from the prosecution and defense. However, the special prosecution team admitted that they had not prepared the required evidence list, leading to an unprecedented delay in the proceedings.

The presiding judge, Cho Hyung-woo of the Criminal Division 22 of the Seoul Central District Court, expressed frustration over the Special Investigation Team’s oversight, stating that it was the first time he had encountered such a situation. The judge reprimanded the special prosecution team for their failure to prepare for the evidence review and remarked that they seemed to not pay attention to the case. He emphasized the necessity of being prepared for future hearings, declaring that if they failed to bring the evidence list on the next court date, he would proceed with concluding the evidence review regardless.

The accused chairman and his accomplices face serious charges related to facilitating Lee's flight from justice ahead of a court hearing for a detention warrant last July. The presiding judge rescheduled the next court session to November 13, warning of potential consequences if the same errors occur again. This situation highlights the procedural challenges and responsibilities faced by special investigation teams in high-profile criminal cases, especially those involving public figures.