Sent to trial for violating Farmland Act and other charges
2nd trial court "Considering donation acts and remorse"
Ki Sung-yong, World Vision cumulative donations of 3 billion won
Football player Ki Sung-yueng (FC Seoul, 34)'s father and former Gwangju FC director Ki Young-ok, who was prosecuted for violating the Farmland Act and other charges, received a reduced sentence in the second trial with a fine. This was due to the consideration of his son Ki Sung-yueng's 'large donation' as a mitigating factor.
The Criminal Division 1 of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Pyung-ho) overturned the first trial's sentence on the 9th, which had sentenced former director Ki to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 3-year probation and a fine of 10 million won for violating the Farmland Act and forgery of private documents, and instead imposed a fine of 500 million won.
The second trial court explained the sentencing reason, stating, "The land purchased by Mr. Ki is included in the site for the private park special project and a military protection zone, making it difficult to realize profits immediately," and "Considering that his son Ki Sung-yueng took responsibility for the controversy caused by this case by donating 2 billion won, and that the defendant admitted to the crime and showed remorse, the sentence was determined comprehensively."
Former director Ki is accused of purchasing rice paddies and fields around the site of the 2016 Gwangju private park special project (Mareuk Park) and submitting a false agricultural management plan under his son's name. He is also charged with illegally converting some of the purchased land and changing its form without permission.
Meanwhile, Ki Sung-yueng donated 2 billion won to the international relief and development organization 'World Vision' last month. At that time, he said, "This is the income I earned while working hard as a player," and added, "I never considered it entirely mine. I am grateful and happy to be able to deliver the donation as we welcome the new year."
Ki Sung-yueng started regular donations to World Vision in 2008. His cumulative donations have reached 3 billion won to date. In addition, he donated his 2010 World Cup appearance bonus and increased the number of sponsored children in 2011, currently sponsoring a total of 30 children annually.
On the 5th of last month, he also explained the reason for continuing such donation activities on his Instagram account. At that time, Ki Sung-yueng said, "During this difficult time when everyone is struggling due to COVID-19, causing social controversy by violating the Farmland Act has continuously troubled and made me feel guilty," and explained, "I wanted to alleviate some of my regret and guilt by donating through World Vision."
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