Elder Brother and Spouse Side "Admit Charges Related to Hiring Personal Lawyer"
Deny Other Charges
On the 21st, the older brother and his wife of broadcaster Park Soo-hong, who were indicted on charges of embezzling corporate funds while running his entertainment agency, denied most of the allegations against them. / This photo is not related to the article.
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The older brother and sister-in-law of broadcaster Park Suhong, who were indicted for embezzling corporate funds while managing his entertainment agency, have mostly denied the charges against them.
The Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Moon Byungchan) held the first trial session at 11:15 a.m. on the 21st for Park’s older brother, Mr. Park (54), and his sister-in-law, Ms. Lee (51), who are accused of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement) and other charges.
The couple’s lawyer stated, “They admit to the unauthorized use of funds for hiring a private lawyer, but largely deny the other allegations.” They also said they “completely deny” the charges of embezzling approximately 2.8 billion KRW of funds owned by Park Suhong.
The next trial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on the 7th of next month.
According to the prosecution, Mr. Park is accused of arbitrarily using 6.17 billion KRW of corporate funds while operating the entertainment agency from 2011 until last year. Specifically, they are investigated for unauthorized withdrawal of 2.9 billion KRW from Park Suhong’s personal account and using about 22 million KRW for their own legal fees following a legal dispute with Park Suhong.
In April last year, Park Suhong filed a complaint against Mr. Park with the prosecution. On September 8, the prosecution requested a pre-arrest warrant, and five days later, the Seoul Western District Court issued the warrant citing concerns over evidence destruction and flight risk.
Subsequently, on October 4, Park Suhong was assaulted by his father during a confrontation at the prosecution office and was transported to a hospital. At that time, Park Suhong’s father and Ms. Lee were investigated as witnesses, and the father reportedly claimed that he, not Mr. Park, managed Park Suhong’s bank accounts and assets.
In June last year, Park Suhong also filed a lawsuit seeking approximately 11.6 billion KRW in damages against the couple.
Meanwhile, Park Suhong’s legal representative, Attorney Noh Jong-eon of Law Firm S, stated that there was no attempt at settlement from the older brother and sister-in-law’s side, adding, “Our client (Park Suhong) is taking a very cautious approach because this is a family matter and is being very reserved in his statements.”
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