The court demanded a detailed explanation of the property formation process from the older brother and sister-in-law of broadcaster Park Soo-hong, who are on trial for embezzling his grants.
On the 13th, the 7th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court held the 6th hearing of the appeal trial for Park Soo-hong's older brother, Mr. Park, and his sister-in-law, Ms. Lee, who have been indicted on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement).
The couple of Park Soo-hong's older brother has been indicted for embezzling approximately 6.2 billion won from 2011 to 2021 while operating the entertainment agencies Rael and Media Boom using Park Soo-hong's grants and company funds. The first instance court acknowledged a guilty verdict for 2 billion won of company funds but deemed the embezzlement of 1.6 billion won of his younger brother's funds as not guilty, sentencing them to 2 years in prison. Ms. Lee was acquitted.
During the 6th hearing held that day, the court focused on the property formation results between Mr. Park and Park Soo-hong. The court noted, "I will draw conclusions based on the results presented by both sides" and requested both sides to explain regarding the management of Park Soo-hong's personal account, for which the older brother and sister-in-law had received a not guilty verdict in the first instance.
The court further pointed out that, "When looking at the property formation results of Mr. Park and Park Soo-hong, there seems to be little increase in real estate acquisition or financial assets, except for a 50% equity in Magok commercial land for Park Soo-hong," adding, "On the other hand, Mr. Park and his wife acquired four properties, repaid debts on existing properties, and registered several insurance policies, showing an increase in their financial assets." The court also requested a detailed explanation of the differences in the property status of both sides.
Although nearly all of the income source was from Park Soo-hong's entertainment activities, the court asked for opinions on why the extent of asset formation differed between the two sides based on that revenue, and whether the management of Park Soo-hong's personal account by his older brother was justified.
Previously, Park Soo-hong testified, saying, "I lost many things for which I dedicated my youth and worked hard. I tried to correct it, but it didn’t work out, and I found myself here. I will testify well so that the trial results can bring hope to many who have become victims after placing their trust and goodwill in close individuals like me."
In the trial, Park Soo-hong expressed frustration, stating, "My brother managed my money, but 100% of the revenue was mine. However, my brother took a larger salary, and all assets were in the names of my brother and his wife."
Meanwhile, the 7th appeal hearing for Park Soo-hong's older brother and sister-in-law is scheduled to be held on Aug. 20.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]