Park Soo-hong's Older Brother Admits to Embezzling Only 30 Million Won Out of 6.1 Billion Won... Sister-in-Law Denies Charges

The eldest brother and his wife of broadcaster Park Suhong, who were indicted for embezzling his appearance fees, admitted to some charges or denied them during the trial.

Broadcaster Park Soo-hong is making a statement while 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 last March.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 1st, the 11th Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Bae Seongjung) held the 9th hearing at 11:10 a.m. for Park Suhong's elder brother and his wife, who were indicted on charges of embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes. The couple, their lawyers, and Park Suhong’s lawyer, Attorney Noh Jongseok from Law Firm S, attended the trial.

During the trial, the charges admitted by the defendants were reaffirmed. Park Suhong’s elder brother admitted to some charges including embezzlement of attorney fees related to the entertainment agency Lael, embezzlement of attorney fees related to Mediaboom, and embezzlement of real estate management fee withdrawals. The amount admitted for embezzlement and other charges ranged from 20 million to 30 million KRW. Park Suhong’s sister-in-law denied the charges, stating, "I am a full-time housewife and only lent my name."

In response, Park Suhong’s lawyer, Attorney Noh, said, "This is only a very small portion of the embezzled amount," adding, "I understand that the total embezzled amount is about 20 million to 30 million KRW, including 300,000 KRW monthly management fee embezzlement and attorney fee embezzlement."

Park Suhong’s elder brother is accused of embezzling a total of 6.17 billion KRW from company funds and Park Suhong’s appearance fees while operating Lael and Mediaboom from 2011 to 2021. The prosecution alleges that he diverted funds including 1.17 billion KRW for real estate purchases, 90 million KRW for unauthorized use of other funds, 90 million KRW for credit card use of the agency, 2.9 billion KRW withdrawn without authorization from the complainant’s personal account, and 1.9 billion KRW paid as salaries to fictitious employees. Park Suhong’s sister-in-law is also suspected of participating in the embezzlement and other crimes.

The next trial is scheduled for 2 p.m. on January 10 of next year. It is expected that after the defendant’s interrogation in the 10th hearing, the prosecution will present its sentencing request.