Lee was immediately taken into custody following the ruling, as the bench issued a writ on grounds that the defendant presents a flight risk.

Lee was indicted early last year, along with a few other Woori officials, over the irregularities. He resigned as bank chief in November 2017 after the allegations surfaced.

After looking into local major banks' alleged unfair hiring, state prosecutors charged a number of executive level officials at KB Kookmin Bank, KEB Hana Bank and three provincial banks.

They are standing trial for giving undue favors to the families and acquaintances of influential figures over the course of their regular recruitments. (Yonhap)