The court handling the embezzlement case involving broadcaster Park Soo Hong’s older brother and his wife has requested more detailed clarification regarding the process of asset formation.
On June 13th, the Seoul High Court’s 7th Criminal Division B conducted the sixth appellate hearing for Park Soo Hong’s older brother, Mr. Park, and his wife, Ms. Lee, who were indicted on charges of embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes.
The couple is accused of misappropriating tens of billions of KRW from companies Rael and Mediaboom as well as from Park Soo Hong’s personal funds while managing the entertainer’s affairs between 2011 and 2021. Attending the hearing were the defendants, their legal teams, and Park Soo Hong’s lawyers.
The court stated that it was difficult to entrust an expert appraisal due to budget constraints and that while such expert evidence could not be used, it would base its judgment on the joint opinions presented by both parties. The judges requested both sides to clarify the management of Park Soo Hong’s personal bank accounts, which had been a point of contention in the first trial where he was acquitted.
In addition, the court asked the couple to provide a clear breakdown of their asset acquisitions. It noted that Park Soo Hong’s assets appear to have little growth aside from a 50 percent stake in a commercial property in Magok. In contrast, the couple acquired four real estate properties, repaid existing mortgage debts, and increased their financial assets through insurance policies and other means. The court requested a detailed comparison of the financial status between the two parties and an explanation for the disparity in asset growth given that the primary income source was Park Soo Hong’s entertainment earnings.
The court also sought opinions on whether Mr. Park’s management of Park Soo Hong’s personal accounts, which was previously ruled as not guilty, could be considered appropriate and legitimate.
In the first trial, the prosecution sought prison terms of seven and three years respectively for Mr. Park and Ms. Lee. The court found Mr. Park guilty of embezzling 2 billion KRW (approximately $1.46 million) from company funds but acquitted him of allegations concerning the misappropriation of approximately 1.6 billion KRW (roughly $1.17 million) of Park Soo Hong’s personal money. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment.
Ms. Lee was acquitted due to insufficient evidence of complicity. Both sides appealed the verdict.
During the appellate proceedings last July, Park Soo Hong appeared as a witness expressing his dissatisfaction with the initial ruling. He said, "Although I respect the court, I feel the judgment was unfair. Seeing my family company misuse my assets at will caused me great anguish." He further claimed that even if the couple had saved all salaries and dividends from the properties they purchased between 2014 and 2017, which are worth about 4.3 billion KRW (approximately $3.14 million), it still fell short by 2 billion KRW (roughly $1.45 million).
Park Soo Hong added, "They told me it was 'investment for my benefit.' Until the partnership dissolved, there was no real estate in my name. Only properties were jointly owned by the couple. It is unacceptable for one person to sacrifice while others profit even if they are family. This must never happen again."
In subsequent hearings, the court and legal teams debated how to handle disputed accounting records related to the charges. The prosecution had submitted a request for expert accounting analysis, but the court, citing budget issues, declined. Instead, the court proposed appointing a certified public accountant to review submitted materials from both sides and analyze the flow of funds related to the embezzlement. The court emphasized the importance of such analysis for determining sentencing.
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