"Despicable" Park Soo-hong Furious at Mention of 'Ex-Lover' in Trial Against Older Brother

Direct Witness Appearance in Trial for Elder Brother's Embezzlement Charges

Broadcaster Park Suhong (53) appeared as a witness in the trial of his elder brother Park Mo (55) and his wife, who are accused of embezzlement. While explaining the embezzlement damage he suffered, Park Suhong became furious and called it "despicable" when the name of his ex-lover was revealed during questioning by Park's side. The ex-lover mentioned by Park's side was a woman Park Suhong once intended to marry, but the marriage was called off due to opposition from his brother Park.

On the 15th, Park Suhong personally appeared as a witness at the 4th hearing of the case against Park and his wife for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement), held at the 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court.

During the trial, the defense attorney for Park and his wife presented corporate payroll records containing the real name of Park Suhong's ex-lover and questioned whether she was a "fake employee." In response, Park Suhong said, "This is truly despicable," and criticized, "They are the ones who prevented me from marrying (my ex-lover) over ten years ago. It seems like an attempt to shake me off regardless of the essence of the embezzlement, and it is a secondary harm."

However, Park Suhong later bowed his head to the court and sincerely apologized, saying, "This is my first trial, and I showed an excited demeanor."

Broadcaster Park Soo-hong is appearing as a witness at the continuation trial of his older brother, who was indicted and detained on embezzlement charges, at the Seoul Western District Court on the afternoon of the 15th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

When asked by the prosecution if he hoped for the defendant's punishment, he said, "I strongly want it," raising his voice, "I have lived in agony and hell. The proceeds from this crime, my appearance fees, were used as legal fees by various corporations. Which law firm received the embezzled money and brought it to this place?"

He also expressed his frustration, saying, "I have worked for over 30 years, but only 33.8 million won remained in my bank account," and added, "(My brother) often said over many years that he was protecting my assets, and I believed him. He drove a compact car, carried a paper bag, and always said he cared for me by my side, but it was all deception."

Earlier, Park Suhong's elder brother Park was arrested and indicted last September on charges of embezzling a total of 6.17 billion won by establishing an entertainment agency from 2011 to 2021, managing Park Suhong's career, and misappropriating corporate and personal funds.

According to the prosecution, Park used the agency's corporate card to pay for department store gift certificates, fitness center registration fees, academy fees, kids' cafes, and theme park admission fees. There is also evidence that the couple's home maintenance costs were paid with the corporate card. Although the agency is operated with Park Suhong's personal income, Park was completely unaware of these expenditures by Park and his wife.

Meanwhile, Park Suhong's brother Park denies most of the charges. Park Suhong is scheduled to appear as a witness again at the 5th hearing on April 19.