Former Secretary Embezzling 2.1 Billion Won Including Funds from Director Noh So-young Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

Lee (34), who worked as a secretary to Noh So-young, director of Art Center Nabi, and is accused of embezzling about 2.1 billion won from Noh’s personal funds, was sentenced to imprisonment in the first trial.

On the 25th, the Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Bae Seong-jung) sentenced Lee to five years in prison on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (fraud) and forgery of private documents.

The court stated, "Considering that the defendant has no prior criminal record and that about 97 million won of the damage was restored after the crime, these can be seen as favorable circumstances," but also pointed out, "From 2019 to 2023, over approximately four years, the defendant embezzled about 2.1 billion won. Given the circumstances, duration, frequency, and damage caused, the nature of the crime is quite serious." The court continued, "The methods were extremely improper, including forging and using private documents for the crime. It appears that most of the embezzled amount was used for personal expenses and stock investments, and there are no special mitigating circumstances regarding the motive. Therefore, a prison sentence corresponding to the culpability is inevitable."

However, the court found that 8 million won was recorded twice in the 'account transfer fraud' details among the charges and ruled this part as partially not guilty.

Lee, who joined Art Center Nabi in 2019, was arrested and prosecuted on charges of borrowing about 438 million won in loans under Director Noh’s name over about four years, transferring about 1.194 billion won in deposits from Noh’s account to his own account, and using it. Additionally, by impersonating Director Noh, Lee deceived Art Center employees into transferring 500 million won as litigation funds, embezzling a total of 2.132 billion won.