Prosecution Calls Lee Myung-hee's Crime Malicious... Requests Severe Punishment in 'Gapjil Assault' Appeal Trial

Lee Myung-hee, the late Cho Yang-ho, chairman of Hanjin Group's wife and former director of the Ilwoo Foundation, who was sentenced to 2 years in prison with a 3-year probation in the first trial for habitual verbal abuse and assault against drivers and security guards, is heading to the courtroom to attend the first hearing of the second trial held at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu on the morning of the 24th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] "Even if all three assault cases, which were acquitted in the first trial, are acknowledged, it seems there would be little difference in the statutory penalties."

On the 24th, the first appeal trial for Lee Myung-hee, the wife of the late Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho, was held in courtroom 312 of the Seoul Court Complex. When the prosecution presented their appeal, requesting a reconsideration of the three charges acquitted in the first trial, the presiding judge made this remark. It subtly indicated a negative stance toward the prosecution's appeal.

Lee was prosecuted on charges of verbally abusing and physically assaulting nine employees working at her residence, including drivers, a total of 22 times from November 2011 to April 2018, causing injuries. She was also charged with throwing pruning shears at a security guard at her home in Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and kicking a driver who refused to load items onto a car on a road in Gugidong, causing injury. The first trial court found most of the charges guilty and sentenced Lee to two years in prison with a three-year probation and 80 hours of community service.

However, the first trial court acquitted her of three charges due to insufficient evidence proving actual injury to the victims. This was the reason for the prosecution's appeal. At the first appeal trial held before the 13th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Gu Hoe-geun), the prosecution stated this appeal point and requested to summon the three victims as witnesses. The prosecution argued, "Although related investigations were conducted during the investigation process, witness examination of the victims is necessary to determine the injury aspect."

Lee Myung-hee, the late Cho Yang-ho, chairman of Hanjin Group's wife and former director of the Ilwoo Foundation, who was sentenced to 2 years in prison with a 3-year probation in the first trial for habitual verbal abuse and assault against drivers and security guards, is heading to the courtroom to attend the first hearing of the second trial held at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu on the morning of the 24th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The appeal court stated that after reviewing the prosecution's opinion, if it deems witness examination necessary, it will summon the witnesses. If it finds it unnecessary, it will proceed to the verdict at the next hearing. The court asked the prosecution why they appealed despite the statutory penalties being the same even if the injuries are acknowledged. The prosecution responded, "Due to the heinous nature of the crime and the fact that the defendant is a public figure, a stricter punishment is necessary. We hope the appeal court will reconsider the sentencing."

On the other hand, Lee's side argued in their appeal that there was no habitual nature to the assault and injury charges. They did not submit any additional evidence. Even when the court gave Lee the opportunity to speak, she only looked at her lawyer and did not say a word. Her lawyer shook his head on her behalf. The court stated it would examine the habitual nature based on the original trial's materials. Lee's next trial date was set for October 22.