Legal Representative Announces Victory on Social Media
"We Hope This Ruling Becomes a Turning Point for a New Beginning"
Former national fencing representative Nam Hyunhee (43) has been cleared of being an accomplice in the fraud case involving her ex-partner Jeon Cheongjo (28) after two years.
On the 13th, Nam's legal representative, lawyer Suho Son of Jihyuk Law Firm, posted an update on Instagram titled "Announcing the Victory."
In the post, lawyer Son explained, "Director Nam Hyunhee won the entire 1.1 billion won damages lawsuit filed by the plaintiff, who was defrauded of a large sum by Jeon Cheongjo," adding, "We did our best over the past year and ten months to prove her innocence."
Former national fencing representative Nam Hyunhee (right) and former Cheongjo, who was arrested on fraud charges. Photo by Yonhap News
Previously, Plaintiff A, a parent at the Nam Hyunhee Fencing Academy, became close to Jeon and was deceived by Jeon's promise that "investing in unlisted stocks would yield high monthly returns and the principal would be guaranteed after one year." Between April and July 2023, A transferred approximately 1.1 billion won to Jeon in six installments.
After Jeon's true identity and fraudulent activities were revealed, A filed a damages lawsuit against Nam, claiming that Nam knowingly aided and abetted Jeon's actions.
However, on the 12th, the 3rd Civil Division of the Seongnam Branch of Suwon District Court dismissed the plaintiff's claims. The court stated, "The defendant (Nam Hyunhee) was also unaware of Jeon Cheongjo's true identity, and there is no evidence that she intentionally aided the fraudulent acts." The court further noted, "Nam Hyunhee was also a victim, deceived by Jeon Cheongjo's false identity," and did not recognize the allegations of receiving criminal proceeds due to insufficient evidence.
With this ruling, Nam has legally shed the label of "accomplice" nearly two years after being implicated in Jeon's case.
Judgment document posted by attorney Suho Son sharing the news of Hyunhee Nam's victory. Screenshot from attorney Suho Son's Instagram.
However, Nam suffered setbacks, having been expelled from the Seoul Fencing Association last year and receiving a seven-year suspension of her coaching license by the Seoul Sports Fairness Committee, which bars her from coaching until August 2031.
Nam's side stated, "We hope this ruling will clear up misunderstandings and false stigmas, and serve as an opportunity for a new beginning."
Jeon is accused of defrauding 27 people out of more than 3 billion won by pretending to be the illegitimate child of a chaebol and soliciting investments. In November last year, Jeon was sentenced to 13 years in prison for fraud under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes.
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