[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for a man who was indicted and detained on charges of threatening Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong to demand money.
On the 25th, at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 10 (Presiding Judge Byeon Min-seon), during the sentencing trial for Kim Mo (28) on charges including violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes (joint extortion), the prosecution stated, "We request a sentence of 2 years and 6 months in prison."
Although it was the first trial for the case, the defense acknowledged all the prosecution's allegations, and the arguments concluded on the same day.
Kim’s lawyer said, "Although threatening remarks were made to the victim, there was no actual intent to carry out such actions. Please consider that the crime was committed merely with the intention of intimidating to receive money."
Kim himself appealed for leniency, saying, "I deeply regret having been swayed by the co-conspirator’s story and committing the crime together."
Kim is accused of demanding money from Vice Chairman Lee’s side together with accomplice A between June and July of this year, threatening, "If you do not comply, I will make additional disclosures related to propofol." A has fled and has not yet been apprehended.
Previously, Kim reported to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission that Vice Chairman Lee had habitually received propofol injections at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul. He also disclosed this information to the media through an interview with the investigative journalism outlet Newstapa. Kim is known to have been the boyfriend of Shin Mo, a nursing assistant working at the hospital.
Kim’s first trial sentencing hearing is scheduled for the 14th of next month.
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