'Shinbal Pokhaeng' Sunjeong Livestock Cooperative Chairman Deposits Bail Ahead of April Sentencing

The chairman of Jeonbuk Sunjeong Livestock Cooperative, who was arrested and indicted for repeatedly assaulting cooperative employees, has deposited a bail bond with the court about a month before the verdict announcement.

Jeonbuk Sunjeong Livestock Cooperative Chairman Mr. Go assaulting an employee with his shoe at a restaurant.
[Image source=KBS screen capture]

According to the legal community on the 11th, Ko (age 62), who was indicted on charges including special assault, special intimidation, coercion, violation of the Labor Standards Act, and violation of the Stalking Punishment Act, deposited settlement money for four victims last week.

Criminal bail deposit is a system where, if a smooth settlement between the defendant and the victim in a criminal case is not reached, the defendant deposits a certain amount of money with the court regardless of the victim's consent.

Ko was brought to trial on charges of repeatedly assaulting employees with shoes and hands and threatening them with liquor bottles at restaurants and funeral halls operated by the cooperative last year.

At the sentencing hearing held on March 27 at the Namwon branch of Jeonju District Court, Ko appealed, "Please show leniency so that I can communicate well and comfort 2,300 cooperative members and 100 cooperative employees."

The prosecution requested a two-year prison sentence, which results in loss of the chairman position, stating that the defendant habitually assaulted employees and was not forgiven by the victims. Agricultural and livestock cooperative chairmen or executive directors lose their positions if sentenced to imprisonment without labor or heavier penalties.

Meanwhile, since Ko was incarcerated in mid-January, he has submitted letters of reflection to the court 19 times. The letters of reflection revealed during the trial process reportedly included phrases such as "I have now quit drinking," "Please allow me to be responsible for the livelihoods of cooperative members and employees," and "I sincerely repent and feel sorry."

Ko’s sentencing date is April 2.