Court: "Despite Clear Evidence, Defendant Denied Charges...
Victim Petitions for Severe Punishment"
Kim Eunbok, Chairman of the Construction and Urban Committee of the Asan City Council in South Chungcheong Province and a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was indicted on fraud charges, received a suspended prison sentence in the first trial.
According to the legal community on April 30, the Cheonan Branch of the Daejeon District Court, Criminal Division 5, sentenced Chairman Kim to six months in prison, suspended for one year.
In July 2018, Chairman Kim proposed to Ms. A, who holds a childcare teacher qualification, "Let’s split the profits according to the partnership investment ratio after acquiring a daycare center," and added, "We need 300 million won for the acquisition, so let’s each contribute 150 million won."
However, the actual acquisition cost was 150 million won, and it was found that Chairman Kim intended for Ms. A to bear the entire amount, with no intention of contributing any additional funds himself.
The court stated, "Despite clear evidence, the defendant denied the charges, showing an uncooperative attitude after the crime. The circumstances after the offense and the nature of the crime are unfavorable, and the victim is petitioning for severe punishment." The court also noted, "However, we considered the fact that the full amount of damages was deposited with the court."
Regarding this matter, Lee Giae, floor leader of the People Power Party, commented, "I was wondering why he was not present at today’s site visit. I did not know it was the sentencing date," and added, "We will soon discuss this with other council members and announce an official position."
Meanwhile, according to the Asan City Election Commission, if an elected official is sentenced to imprisonment or a heavier punishment and the sentence is finalized, they lose their eligibility for election and will therefore lose their position.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
