[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The plastic surgery clinic director who was prosecuted for neglecting the late Kwon Daehee, who was bleeding during plastic surgery and caused his death, was sentenced to imprisonment again in the appellate trial.
On the morning of the 19th, the 9th Criminal Appeals Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Yang Kyungseung) sentenced hospital director Jang (53), who was charged with professional negligence causing death and violation of the Medical Service Act, to three years in prison and a fine of 10 million won. Additional charges of violating the Medical Service Act were recognized, increasing the fine by 5 million won compared to the first trial. However, it was decided to maintain bail status until the verdict is finalized.
Doctor Shin, who was also prosecuted, was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two-year probation and a fine of 10 million won, receiving a heavier punishment than the first trial, which only imposed a fine. This is because, unlike the first trial, he was found guilty of professional negligence causing death.
On the same day, doctor Lee was sentenced to two years in prison with a three-year probation and a fine of 5 million won, and nursing assistant Jeon received a suspended sentence, maintaining the same sentence as in the first trial.
The first trial stated, "They missed the golden time for treatment by not taking any measures for several hours while running a factory-style surgery line," and found them guilty.
Previously, Jang and others were prosecuted for causing the death of Kwon (then 25 years old) due to excessive bleeding by failing to properly monitor and take follow-up measures during the square jaw incision surgery in September 2016. They were also charged with violating the Medical Service Act by instructing a nursing assistant to stop bleeding at the surgical site for about 30 minutes, claiming they had to operate on another patient during the surgery.
Lee Nagum, Kwon’s mother, who held a one-person protest for over 100 days in front of the Seoul Central District Court building, said, "The beginning of all tragedies started with the 'ghost substitute surgeon.'" She added, "Doctors colluded by using manipulated medical records and professional knowledge, using easy expressions as technical terms, and gave false testimonies." She further stated, "Thanks to the surgery room CCTV, we were able to prove this part and prevent a 'second Kwon Daehee.'"
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