Overview

• The first hearing on July 16 marked the formal start of a retrial sought by Kim’s family in 2020
• Defense attorneys presented evidence they say shows Kim was tortured during his post-assassination interrogation
• Lawyers argued Kim killed Park Chung-hee to end authoritarian rule and restore liberal democracy rather than overthrow the constitution
• The case has reignited scrutiny of Park’s 15-year iron-fist regime and questions over military-era judicial fairness
• The court has scheduled the next session for Sept. 5 to hear additional testimony on torture allegations and trial irregularities