Former National Security Office Chief Chung Eui-yong and former Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min, along with other security officials from the Moon Jae-in administration, received a suspended sentence in the first trial related to the 'Forced Repatriation of North Korean Fishermen Incident.' In response, the prosecution announced its intention to appeal.
Se-hoon Seo, former Director of the National Intelligence Service, Jeong Eui-yong, former National Security Office Director, and Noh Young-min, former Presidential Chief of Staff (from left), are making a statement after the first trial verdict on the forced repatriation case of North Korean fishermen at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 19th. On this day, the court gave a suspended sentence of 10 months imprisonment to Jeong Eui-yong and Se-hoon Seo, and a suspended sentence of 6 months imprisonment to Noh Young-min. A suspended sentence postpones the sentencing, and if two years pass from the suspension date, the case is effectively considered null. February 19, 2025. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office stated on the 19th that "Article 59 of the Criminal Act allows for a suspended sentence when there is clear remorse," but added, "It is difficult to accept the suspension of sentencing for defendants who completely deny the crime."
They continued, "The court rejected the defendants' claim that the North Korean fishermen were not South Korean citizens and clearly confirmed the illegality of forcibly repatriating the fishermen who repeatedly expressed their intention to defect," emphasizing, "After thoroughly reviewing the judgment, including the not guilty parts, we will appeal to ensure that a sentence commensurate with the crime is imposed."
The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21 (Presiding Judge Heo Kyung-moo) on the same day suspended the 10-month prison sentences for former National Security Office Chief Chung and former National Intelligence Service Director Suh Hoon, who were indicted on charges including abuse of authority and obstruction of rights under the National Intelligence Service Act. Former Chief of Staff Noh and former Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-chul each received a suspended 6-month prison sentence. A suspended sentence means that although guilt is acknowledged, sentencing is postponed, and if two years pass from the date of suspension without further incident, the case is considered dismissed.
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