"Consider Voluntary Return and Health,"
Prosecution Says "Flight Risk Remains, No Special Treatment"
Huh Jaeho (83), former chairman of Daeju Group who sparked controversy over the so-called "Emperor Labor" after evading taxes amounting to over 50 billion won, has filed for bail. He had stayed in New Zealand for more than seven years without attending his tax evasion trial and was repatriated to South Korea on the 27th.
Former Daeju Group Chairman Huh Jaeho, who was staying in New Zealand, is being repatriated to South Korea through Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport on the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News
The 11th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Songhyun) held a bail hearing on the 30th for Huh, who was indicted on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (Tax). Huh's defense attorney argued, "This was not a forced extradition, but rather a voluntary return. He will stay in Gwangju and faithfully participate in the trial," adding, "He has also paid all related taxes since the indictment."
The defense further stated, "The defendant, who is elderly, suffers from heart disease and spinal stenosis. If necessary, he is willing to accept the attachment of an electronic location tracking device," requesting his release in consideration of his health and age.
In contrast, the prosecution opposed granting bail. The prosecution asserted, "The defendant fled overseas for a long period and still poses a significant flight risk," and countered, "There are hundreds of detainees over the age of 80, so age alone cannot be grounds for special treatment."
Bail is a system that allows the release of a detained defendant under conditions such as the payment of a deposit and restrictions on residence. Huh filed for cancellation of his detention immediately after returning to South Korea on the 27th, and the following day, he also applied for bail. However, the hearing was held before a decision was made on whether to cancel his detention.
Huh was indicted in July 2019 on charges of failing to pay more than 500 million won in capital gains tax during the sale of shares in Daehan Fire & Marine Insurance, which were held under the names of three acquaintances in 2007. The investigation began in July 2014 following a report by the Seoul Regional Tax Office, and Huh left for New Zealand in August 2015, one month after the suspension of his status as a reference witness.
Previously, in 2014, he was also indicted for tax evasion of over 50 billion won, was sentenced to a fine of 25.4 billion won, but fled without paying. After returning to South Korea, he became the center of the "Emperor Labor" controversy when the fine was converted to labor at a rate of 500 million won per day.
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