Prosecution Seizes Other Claims Related to Han Myeong-sook's Recovery Money in June This Year... Statute of Limitations Extended by 3 Years

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] It has been confirmed that the statute of limitations for the collection of the fine imposed on former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, who was convicted of violating the Political Funds Act, has been extended until May 2024.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office explained on the morning of the 18th regarding the enforcement of the fine against former Prime Minister Han, stating, "Around last June, other claims were seized, extending the statute of limitations for the fine until around May 2024," and added, "We are continuously making efforts to thoroughly enforce the fine."

According to the 'Details of Fine Enforcement for Former Prime Minister Han' submitted by the Ministry of Justice and disclosed yesterday by Rep. Jeon Ju-hye of the People Power Party, the prosecution has so far collected about 172 million won out of the total fine of approximately 883 million won.

Former Prime Minister Han was indicted on charges of receiving illegal political funds amounting to about 900 million won from Han Man-ho, former CEO of Hanshin Construction, between March and August 2007. In August 2015, the Supreme Court sentenced her to two years in prison and imposed a fine of approximately 883 million won. She served her sentence and was released at the end of August 2017.

Regarding the fine, only 2.5 million won was collected in 2016 through seizure of cash, 150 million won in 2017 from the apartment lease deposit under her husband's name, about 17.8 million won in 2018 through voluntary payment and seizure of bank deposits, and 1.5 million won in 2019 after seizure of bank deposits.

The prosecution revealed that, in addition to these, other claims were seized around last June. Consequently, the statute of limitations for the fine was extended. If even one won is collected before the expiration of the statute of limitations, the statute is extended by three years.

As former Prime Minister Han delayed payment of the fine, the government reportedly urged payment three times so far. Payment demands were made in September 2015 after the Supreme Court's final ruling, and twice in June and October 2018 during the Moon Jae-in administration.