Former Busan City Council Chairman Lee Dong understands found guilty of 'free stem cell treatment'

1-Year Prison Sentence with 2-Year Probation, 25 Million KRW Fine, and 24 Million KRW Confiscation Confirmed

Supreme Court, Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The former chairman of the Busan City Council, Lee Haedong, who was prosecuted on charges of soliciting job-related favors and receiving free stem cell treatments, has been confirmed guilty by the Supreme Court.

On the 29th, the Supreme Court Division 1 (Presiding Justice Oh Kyungmi) announced that it upheld the original ruling sentencing former Chairman Lee to one year in prison with a two-year probation, a fine of 25 million KRW, and an additional confiscation order of 24 million KRW in the appeal trial on charges of bribery and violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

Previously, in August to September 2017, former Chairman Lee was prosecuted for receiving three free anti-aging stem cell treatments at the hospital of Doctor A, who had requested favors to help attract foreign patients and support Busan City's medical tourism projects.

Lee's defense argued in court that he was not the chairman of the city council at the time of the treatments and that there was no job-related connection or quid pro quo involved.

The first trial sentenced Lee to one year in prison. The court stated, "As a member of the Busan City Council, he had comprehensive authority over autonomous administration and budget formulation of administrative agencies, as well as audit rights over related institutions, which involved quid pro quo," and added, "As a member of the Economic and Cultural Committee, he had direct and broad authority over related projects, including reviewing and approving budgets for medical tourism and urban development projects."

However, the court acquitted him of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, citing difficulty in specifying the market price of stem cell treatments at a time when such procedures were not yet widespread.

The second trial recognized the violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act as well, imposing an additional fine of 25 million KRW and ordering the confiscation of 24 million KRW. This was based on the fact that Doctor A's hospital had informed general patients that the stem cell treatment cost 24 million KRW, allowing the court to specify the value.

Nevertheless, considering that former Chairman Lee showed remorse during his extended detention and his poor health condition, the court suspended the execution of the prison sentence for two years.

The Supreme Court also agreed with this judgment. The court stated, "The lower court did not err in its legal interpretation regarding the job-relatedness, quid pro quo, intent, and calculation of the amount involved in the bribery charge."