Ex-National Security Adviser Suh Hoon released on bail

Former National Security Adviser Suh Hoon enters a court for interrogation on the death of a fisheries official in December. [YONHAP]

Former National Security Adviser Suh Hoon was released on bail and will continue the ongoing trial without physical detention.

Suh, charged with alleged abuse of authority and obstruction of rights for manipulating the death of an fisheries official, was granted bail after 4 months of detention by the Seoul Central District Court on Monday.

The fact that there is an extensive amount of data left to confirm and multiple witness still left to question has accounted for the bail, according to a court spokesperson.

The ex-national security adviser faces allegations of tampering with and manipulating documents in order to make it look like a South Korean fisheries official, who was shot dead and burned by North Korean soldiers, was attempting to defect to North Korea.

Suh allegedly ordered officials of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Korea Coast Guard chief to keep the incident secret. He also allegedly ordered a fake press release that the fisheries official was being searched for.

Former National Intelligence Service Chief Park Jie-won and Defense Minister Suh Wook also face the same charges.

BY SOHN DONG-JOO [sohn.dongjoo@joongang.co.kr]