The appeal trial regarding the embezzlement case involving broadcaster Park Soo-hong's older brother and his wife has resumed. The court plans to conclude the arguments in November.
On the 17th, the 7th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court held the 6th hearing of the appeal trial for Park Soo-hong's older brother, Mr. Park, and his sister-in-law, Ms. Lee, who were indicted for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement).
On this day, the court requested the prosecution to summarize their overall opinion and submit it in writing. The prosecution stated, “There has been no significant change in our claims so far.” The court announced, “If there are no disagreements from both sides, we plan to hold the sentencing hearing on November 12.”
According to the prosecution, Park Soo-hong's older brother and his wife are accused of embezzling a total of 6.2 billion won from 2011 to 2021 while managing their younger brother's career, including funds from the entertainment companies Rael and Media Boom, as well as Park Soo-hong's personal funds.
In the first trial, the prosecution sought a 7-year prison sentence for Park Soo-hong's older brother and a 3-year sentence for his sister-in-law. However, the court only recognized the embezzlement of 2 billion won from the company funds as guilty, sentencing the older brother to 2 years in prison and acquitting the sister-in-law. Both sides appealed the decision.
Park Soo-hong appeared as a witness in both the first trial and the appeal trial, expressing his grievances. He stated, “When I opened the lid, it was so horrific that I wanted to die. It was very difficult, but I stepped forward to correct it,” and added, “I had to cancel my insurance because I didn't have money to pay the deposit for my lease. I only had 33.8 million won left in my bank account.”
He also said, “I was appalled when I saw the first trial's verdict. I generated 100% of the sales, but it is hard to accept that the personal embezzlement was found not guilty,” and expressed, “Because they are family, I absolutely trusted them and didn’t even doubt them. However, there was no real estate in my name, and all assets were in the joint name of my brother and his wife.”
He expressed his anger, saying, “I believed in the phrase ‘financial management for you,’ but ultimately, one person's sacrifice allowed others to benefit. Such things should not happen, even if they are family. I hope this never happens again.”
Meanwhile, Park Soo-hong registered his marriage with Kim Da-ye, who is 23 years younger, in 2021, and held a wedding ceremony the following year. In October of last year, they welcomed their daughter, Jae-i.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
