Jun Kwang-hoon, senior pastor of Sarang Jeil Church who was arrested and indicted as the alleged mastermind behind the Seoul Western District Court riot, was granted bail on Wednesday.
The Seoul Western District Court said it accepted the bail request from Pastor Jun, who has been indicted on charges including obstruction of general traffic.
The court cited several factors in its decision: Pastor Jun requires regular hospital treatment for a urological condition caused by diabetes; his face is widely known to the public, making it difficult to flee; overseas flight can be prevented through a travel ban; and the defendant's right to mount a defense needs to be guaranteed.
The court set bail conditions including payment of a 100 million won ($74,000) deposit and a prohibition on direct or indirect communication with individuals involved in the case. Pastor Jun can only be released after fulfilling all bail conditions.
Pastor Jun is accused of inciting supporters to storm the Western District Court in the early hours of January 19 last year, shortly after the arrest of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, where they destroyed furniture and assaulted police officers.
Prosecutors allege that Pastor Jun encouraged the violence by making remarks to Sarang Jeil Church congregants and Gwanghwamun rally participants to the effect that "anti-state forces must be punished through the people's right of resistance."
The next hearing for Pastor Jun is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 17th.