The prosecution has appealed the first trial verdict that sentenced Jeon Woo-won (27), the grandson of former President Jeon Du-hwan, who was charged with 'drug use,' to a suspended sentence.
On the 29th, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Trial Division 3 (Chief Prosecutor Lim Seon-hwa) announced that it filed an appeal the day before against the first trial verdict that sentenced Jeon to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 4-year suspended sentence and acquitted him of some charges related to the purchase and use of drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and marijuana.
The prosecution explained the background, stating, "Considering that Jeon repeatedly purchased and used various drugs over about five months, the seriousness of the case, and that he broadcast scenes of drug use live to an unspecified large audience through YouTube live streaming, thereby weakening awareness of drugs and causing the risk of copycat crimes, the first trial sentence was too lenient, so we appealed to ensure a sentence commensurate with the crime."
Additionally, the prosecution added, "The first trial court acquitted some marijuana smoking charges because there was no corroborating evidence other than the defendant's confession, but the prosecution has corroborating evidence such as hair analysis results and circumstances of drug use by the same method at the same time, so we judged that a guilty verdict is necessary for all charges."
Jeon was indicted without detention in September on charges of using four types of drugs, including methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), known as 'Ecstasy,' LSD, ketamine, and marijuana, in the United States from November last year to March this year.
On the 22nd, the 24th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Choi Kyung-seo) sentenced Jeon to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 4-year suspended sentence for violating the Narcotics Control Act. The court also ordered Jeon to undergo 3 years of probation, 120 hours of community service, 80 hours of drug treatment lectures, and imposed a fine of 2.66 million won.
At that time, the court pointed out, "The defendant seems to be quite remorseful now, but at the time, he appeared to have no particular sense of guilt," and "Broadcasting himself exhibiting hallucinations and abnormal behavior, regardless of intent, is an act that causes copycat crimes and poses a danger to society, so the nature of the crime is very bad."
However, the court also stated, "Considering that he cooperated with the investigation to an extent equivalent to voluntary surrender, showed remorse, and formed a bond by pledging to quit drugs with those around him, we considered how to punish him," and "We grant him an opportunity for a healthy social life but impose an obligation to be under state supervision and thus sentence him to a suspended sentence."
In March this year, Jeon revealed actual drug use during a live YouTube broadcast while mentioning drugs. Subsequently, the police urgently arrested Jeon upon his arrival at Incheon Airport on March 28 and conducted an investigation. He was released the next day after admitting to the charges.
At the time of entry, Jeon admitted to reporters that he had used drugs such as marijuana and Ecstasy. It was also reported that he tested positive in a detailed drug analysis conducted by the National Forensic Service.
The prosecution, which received Jeon in an unarrested state in April, summoned and investigated him in June. It is reported that Jeon admitted all charges during the prosecution's investigation as well.
At the first trial held at the end of October, Jeon admitted all the prosecution's charges, and the sentencing procedure was conducted simultaneously. The prosecution requested a 3-year prison sentence at that time.
Jeon, the son of Jeon Jae-yong, the second son of former President Jeon, began exposing allegations of his family's criminal proceeds concealment and other crimes on his social media from March 13 this year.
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