[Photo] Court denies request for arrest warrant for former Environmental Minister

The Seoul East District Court has denied an arrest warrant for former Environment Minister Kim Eun-kyung requested by prosecutors. The request was refused on Mar. 26, putting a temporary halt to prosecutors’ investigation of Kim for allegedly overstepping the bounds of her authority. The judge presiding over the court cited a minimal risk of Kim destroying evidence or fleeing the country, considering that she has already retired and is not in regular contact with people involved in the case. (Shin So-young, staff photographer)