Prosecutors have requested prison sentences for TV personality Park Soo Hong’s older brother and sister-in-law, who are accused of embezzling billions of won from the entertainer over a decade.
At a sentencing hearing held on November 12 at the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 7, prosecutors sought a seven-year prison sentence for Park’s brother, identified as Mr. Park, and a three-year term for his wife, Ms. Lee, on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (Embezzlement).
“The defendant, Mr. Park, should be found guilty on all counts and sentenced to seven years in prison,” prosecutors told the court.
They further stated that Ms. Lee “repeatedly embezzled large sums of money together with her husband over a long period,” while inconsistently claiming that she was “only an honorary employee and a housewife.” Prosecutors criticized this as a “contradictory and insincere attitude.”
The prosecution also pointed out that Ms. Lee had posted malicious online comments targeting the victim, Park Soo Hong, which they said demonstrated “a lack of remorse or reflection.” However, they acknowledged that she had no prior criminal record and that Mr. Park was the main perpetrator. Taking these factors into consideration, the prosecution asked for a three-year prison sentence for Ms. Lee.
The couple was indicted for embezzling approximately 6.17 billion KRW (about 4.4 million USD) between 2011 and 2021 while managing Park Soo Hong’s entertainment business.
In the first trial, only 2 billion KRW (about 1.4 million USD) of company funds was recognized as proven embezzlement. The court sentenced Mr. Park to two years in prison, while Ms. Lee was acquitted.
Both the prosecution and the defendants appealed the ruling. During the appellate proceedings, Mr. Park and Ms. Lee reportedly admitted to part of the embezzlement, marking a shift from their earlier denials.
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