Former Prosecutor in ‘Jung Woon-ho Bribery Case’ Sentenced to Prison Again on Appeal... Courtroom Disruption Over Claims of Innocence

[Financial News] A former prosecutor, who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for accepting money from Jung Woon-ho, CEO of Nature Republic, in exchange for influence, has received another prison sentence on appeal. Although the former prosecutor avoided immediate detention, he strongly protested the verdict, insisting, “This is not true.”
On the 22nd, Criminal Division 6-1, Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Jae-Oh Jeong, Choi Eun-jung, and Lee Ye-seul) sentenced former Seoul High Prosecutors' Office prosecutor Park, who was indicted for violating the Attorney-at-Law Act, to two years in prison and ordered the forfeiture of 92 million won, upholding the first trial’s decision. However, the court maintained Park’s bail, citing health concerns that would make detention difficult.
The key issue was the credibility of testimony from Mr. A, who delivered the money. Park’s defense argued that Mr. A’s statements were inconsistent and unreliable, but the appellate court rejected this claim. The court stated that, considering Mr. A’s phone memos, the consistency of his testimony, and his demeanor in court, “It is proven beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant and Mr. A conspired to receive 100 million won.”
While serving as a prosecutor around 2010, Park was indicted for allegedly receiving 100 million won from Jung Woon-ho, CEO of Nature Republic, through Mr. A in exchange for a request to influence the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) to halt an audit of Seoul Metro. At the time, Nature Republic was expanding its business by acquiring store operation rights from Company B, a Seoul subway retail operator, while the BAI was auditing Seoul Metro.
In June last year, the first trial found Park guilty, recognizing the credibility of Mr. A’s testimony. The court noted, “The amount received was 100 million won, with no evidence of repayment. As a prosecutor, Park was well aware of the value of fairness and had a public duty to uphold it, yet he committed the crime for personal gain, making the offense particularly grave.” The appellate court found no grounds to alter the sentence.
During sentencing, Park and his assistant shouted, “This is not true,” and “This is so unfair,” protesting the court’s decision. The presiding judge warned, “Please remain quiet. If you speak out again, you will be removed from the courtroom.” When Park’s side continued to protest after the sentencing, court security escorted them out.


scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter