'Propofol Administration' Aekyung's Third Son Cha Seung-seok Receives Suspended Sentence in Second Trial

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Chae Seungseok, former CEO of Aekyung Development (age 51), who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for illegal use of the psychoactive anesthetic propofol, was given a suspended sentence on appeal.

The 9th Criminal Appeals Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Jang Jaeyoon) overturned the original sentence of 8 months imprisonment on the morning of the 15th and sentenced Chae, who was charged with violating the Narcotics Control Act, to 1 year in prison with a 3-year suspension. Along with this, he was ordered to perform 300 hours of community service, attend 40 hours of drug treatment lectures, and pay a fine of 45.32 million KRW. In the previous closing arguments, the prosecution requested the court to sentence him to 1 year and 6 months in prison and impose the fine of 45.32 million KRW.

The court stated, "Although the risk of abuse and misuse is lower compared to other narcotics, the defendant habitually administered propofol and provided personal information of acquaintances to the hospital, which reflects the seriousness of the crime," but added, "The defendant voluntarily surrendered and confessed to all crimes, including details unknown to the prosecution." It further noted, "Considering that the defendant is remorseful and has lived a disciplined life in custody until the bail decision, among other circumstances."

Chae, the third son of Aekyung Group Chairwoman Jang Youngshin, was tried for illegally administering propofol about 100 times at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, from September 2017 to November 2019. He is also accused of falsifying medical records 90 times by providing the hospital director with personal information of acquaintances who did not actually visit the hospital to conceal the illegal use.

Chae admitted all charges but was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment and detained in court in the first trial. He was later released on bail in January and has been undergoing trial without detention since then.