Prosecutors Seek 5-Year Prison Term for Lee Chulgyu's Son in Synthetic Marijuana Appeal Trial

Prosecutors Seek 3-Year Prison Term for Wife, Ms. Lim
Final Statement: "Ashamed and Devastated, Unable to See My Son"
Court Schedules Sentencing for the 27th

During the appellate trial for the son of Lee Chulgyu, a member of the People Power Party, who was indicted on charges of using synthetic marijuana, prosecutors requested a five-year prison sentence.

Lee Chulgyu, a member of the People Power Party, is answering reporters' questions after finishing a press conference announcing his position on the investigation of the fallen Marine special prosecutor at the National Assembly Communication Office on July 22. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On the 6th, during the final hearing held by the Criminal Division 3 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Lee Seunghan), the prosecution asked the court to "impose the same sentence as previously requested in the first trial" for Lee's son, Mr. Lee, his wife, Ms. Lim, and others. Previously, the prosecution had sought five years in prison for Mr. Lee and three years for Ms. Lim in the first trial.

The prosecution also requested the court to sentence Mr. Jeong, a middle school classmate, and Mr. Kwon, a former military superior-both accused of using drugs with Mr. Lee-to five years in prison each.

Given the opportunity for a final statement, Mr. Lee said, "I am ashamed and devastated that, because of my foolish actions, I am on trial and unable to see my young son's face," and tearfully pleaded, "I ask for your mercy, considering my young son." Ms. Lim also appealed for leniency, stating, "No matter what temptations or difficulties I face in the future, I will take this as a lifelong lesson and never repeat the same mistake."

The court has scheduled the sentencing for the 27th of this month.

Mr. Lee and others were indicted this May on charges of purchasing synthetic marijuana twice between October last year and February this year and using it three times. They also faced charges of attempting to purchase liquid marijuana and other narcotics multiple times but failing to do so.

On August 1, the first trial sentenced Mr. Lee to two years and six months in prison, ordered him to complete a 40-hour drug rehabilitation program, and imposed a forfeiture of 5.12 million won. Ms. Lim received a sentence of two years and six months in prison, suspended for three years, probation, a 40-hour drug addiction treatment course, and a forfeiture of 1.73 million won. Mr. Jeong and Mr. Kwon were each sentenced to three years in prison, with Mr. Kwon's sentence suspended for five years.