The 6th appeal trial for the embezzlement charges against broadcaster Park Soo-hong's elder brother and his wife will resume.
The 7th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court will hold the 6th appeal trial for Park Soo-hong's elder brother, Mr. Park, and his sister-in-law, Ms. Lee, who are charged with violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement) on the 17th.
It was originally scheduled for the 20th of last month but was postponed.
The couple is accused of embezzling approximately 6.2 billion won from 2011 to 2021 while managing their younger brother's career, including funds from the entertainment company Rael and Media Bun, as well as Park Soo-hong's personal funds.
The prosecution has sought a 7-year prison sentence for Park Soo-hong's elder brother and a 3-year sentence for his sister-in-law, but the first trial court found only the embezzlement of 2 billion won in company funds guilty, sentencing Mr. Park to 2 years in prison and acquitting Ms. Lee. Both sides have appealed.
Park Soo-hong attended the court as a witness and expressed his pain, saying, "While my ignorance was wrong, it was horrifying to open the lid. It was so difficult, but I stepped up to correct it. I had to cancel my insurance because I didn't have money to pay the deposit for my lease. I found that I had 33.8 million won left in my bank account."
He also stated during the appeal trial, "After seeing the first trial's verdict, I was dismayed that the embezzlement was limited to tax evasion and that personal embezzlement was acquitted. I felt wronged. I was the one who generated 100% of the sales. I could have gone to another agency, but because we are family, I trusted and loved them. I was grateful that they were brothers I could trust more than anyone else in a place with many agency disputes. They always said they were living for me, and I had absolute trust in them, so I never doubted them."
He added, "I was told by my elder brother and his wife that it was 'financial management for you.' Until the partnership was dissolved, there was no real estate in my name. All the properties were only those they shared 50% of. It is absolutely unacceptable for one person's sacrifice to be leveraged for the benefit of others, even if they are family. Such things must not happen again."
Park Soo-hong registered his marriage with Kim Da-ye, who is 23 years younger, in 2021 and held their wedding the following year. In October of last year, they welcomed their daughter, Jae-i.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
