Prosecutors Demand 10-Year Prison Sentence in 2nd Trial for Former Lawmaker Lee Sang-jik on Charges of Embezzlement and Breach of Trust at Eastar Jet

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The prosecution has requested a 10-year prison sentence in the appellate trial of former National Assembly member Lee Sang-jik, who was indicted in connection with the embezzlement and breach of trust case involving Eastar Jet.

On the 5th, at a hearing held by the 1st Criminal Division of the Jeonju Branch of the Gwangju High Court (Presiding Judge Baek Gang-jin), the prosecution stated, "Due to the defendant's breach of trust, who is the founder and head of the Eastar Jet Group, Eastar Jet suffered property damage exceeding 5 billion KRW," and "the defendant denies the charges and has manipulated evidence, making the nature of the crime very serious." The prosecution requested the court to sentence Lee to 10 years in prison and impose a fine of 55.4 billion KRW, the same as the sentence requested in the first trial. Lee's sentencing hearing is scheduled for the 25th of next month.

Lee was indicted on charges including selling 52 million shares of Eastar Jet, worth approximately 54 billion KRW, at a low price to Eastar Holdings, where his children are shareholders, between November and December 2015, causing property damage of about 43 billion KRW to Eastar Jet, and embezzling over 5 billion KRW.

The first trial court found most of Lee's charges guilty, sentenced him to six years in prison, and ordered his detention in court. Afterwards, Lee was released on bail and is currently undergoing trial without detention.