'Bribes in the 20-million-won range' Former lawmaker Youn Kwan-suk sentenced to 1 year in prison, suspended for 2; first-trial acquittal overturned

[Financial News] Former Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Youn Kwan-suk, who was acquitted at trial on charges of receiving bribes in the 20-million-won range along with requests for legislative favors, was found guilty on appeal.
The Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 6-2 (High Court Judges Park Jeong-je, Min Dal-gi and Kim Jong-woo) on the 16th sentenced Youn, who had been indicted on charges including bribery, to one year in prison, suspended for two years. The court also ordered him to forfeit 14 million won.
Youn was indicted on charges of receiving gifts and entertainment worth 22.7 million won from Mr. Song, the head of a bathroom-fixture manufacturer, from June 2017 to March 2023 after Song asked him to help revise laws related to water-saving fixtures, among other things.
The trial court acquitted him, saying the evidence submitted by prosecutors alone was insufficient to conclude that he had received the gifts and entertainment in exchange for actions related to his duties as a lawmaker, or that he knew they were bribes provided in return for the requests.
The appeals court, however, overturned the acquittal and found most of the charges proven. The court noted, “The defendant claims it was natural socializing based on a personal relationship, but even where there is a personal relationship, gifts and entertainment can constitute bribes once specific pending issues and their connection to official duties have been clearly established.”
The court continued, “Song made requests concerning revisions to the Housing Act and specific business matters while golfing with the defendant, and the fees were paid on the defendant’s behalf when the defendant was explicitly aware of those requests.” It added, “Given that the defendant, a three-term lawmaker, received numerous requests for legislative favors along with gifts and entertainment, the circumstances are sufficient under social norms to raise doubts about the fairness of his official conduct.”
Youn received gifts worth 14 million won from Song and also had him donate a total of 8.5 million won to lawmakers who were then members of the Democratic Party and had personal ties to Youn.
The court noted, “Despite being a three-term lawmaker, constitutionally bound to maintain integrity, and secretary of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, he received money from a businessman along with requests for favors.” It added, “This significantly undermined public trust in the fairness of legislation and tarnished the reputation of the majority of lawmakers.”
After the verdict, Youn said, “This case began as political persecution by the Yoon Suk Yeol prosecution and involved an unlawful separate investigation.” He added, “I cannot accept the court’s decision, so I will consult with my lawyers and immediately appeal to the Supreme Court.”

[email protected] Lee Chang-hoon Reporter