Park Soo Hong’s older brother, who was accused of embezzling tens of billions of KRW while managing the broadcaster’s agency, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison on appeal and was taken into custody in court.
On December 19, the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 7, presided over by Judge Lee Jae Kwon, sentenced Mr. Park to three years and six months in prison on charges including embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes. The court also ordered his immediate detention. His wife, identified as Ms. Lee, was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, along with 120 hours of community service.
Mr. Park and his wife were indicted on charges of embezzling approximately 6.2 billion KRW (about 4.7 million USD) over a 10-year period from 2011 to 2021. The couple allegedly committed the crimes while exclusively handling the management of Park Soo Hong, siphoning funds from entertainment companies Rael and Mediaboom, as well as Park Soo Hong’s personal finances.
In the first trial, the court recognized that Mr. Park embezzled roughly 720 million KRW (about 540,000 USD) from Rael and approximately 1.36 billion KRW (about 1.02 million USD) from Mediaboom, sentencing him to two years in prison. However, the court found him not guilty of embezzling Park Soo Hong’s personal assets. Ms. Lee was also acquitted at the time due to insufficient evidence proving her involvement.
During the appeal, prosecutors argued that Mr. Park repeatedly embezzled large sums over an extended period while falsely claiming the money was used for Park Soo Hong’s benefit, deliberately concealing its actual use. They emphasized that no restitution had been made and criticized his attitude, stating that he continued to blame the victim, Park Soo Hong.
In his final statement, Mr. Park said, “I know I must take full responsibility, but there is no one else to care for our elderly parents,” adding, “This case has caused unbearable suffering for our entire family. I sincerely ask for leniency.”
Park Soo Hong’s legal representative strongly condemned the defendants, stating, “Due to the defendants’ criminal actions, Park Soo Hong’s 30 years of hard-earned career were denied, and his relationships with his parents and siblings were severed.” The lawyer added that Park Soo Hong was unable to enjoy even ordinary happiness, such as marrying and having children, until he was over 50 years old.
The legal team urged the court to impose strict punishment unless the defendants acknowledge their wrongdoing and offer a sincere apology to Park Soo Hong.
SEE ALSO: Supreme Court finalizes 3.5-year prison term for Park Soo Hong’s brother in embezzlement case
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