Park Soo-hong's Brother Gets 7-Year Sentence Demanded Again in Appeal for Embezzlement

Park Mo-ssi, the elder brother of broadcaster Park Soo-hong, who received a prison sentence in the first trial for embezzling billions of won from his brother's agency, has once again been sentenced to 7 years in prison in the appeal trial, the same as the first instance.

During the final hearing of the appeal trial at the Seoul High Court, the prosecution requested a 7-year prison sentence for Park Mo-ssi and a 3-year sentence for his wife, Lee Mo-ssi, who was also indicted for embezzlement under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes.

The prosecution pointed out that Park Mo-ssi repeatedly embezzled a large sum of money over a long period, falsely claimed it was used for his brother, concealed the purpose of the funds, and that no restitution has been made. They also emphasized the need for severe punishment due to his poor attitude and blaming the victim.

In response, Park Mo-ssi's legal representative acknowledged the embezzlement charges but pleaded for leniency, citing that most of the funds were transferred to Park Soo-hong and that the repayment was delayed due to Park Soo-hong's provisional seizure. Park Mo-ssi himself, in his final statement, expressed remorse for his mistakes and vowed not to repeat them, his voice choked with emotion.

Park Soo-hong's representative, present in court, stated that Park Soo-hong's 30 years of youth were invalidated by the defendants' criminal acts, and he could only achieve the ordinary happiness of marriage and having children after the age of 50. The representative urged for severe punishment unless the defendants fully admit their wrongdoing and sincerely apologize to Park Soo-hong.

Park Mo-ssi was indicted in October 2022 for embezzling billions of won in company and personal funds from his brother, whom he managed from 2011 to 2021. His sister-in-law, Lee Mo-ssi, was also indicted for her involvement in some of the embezzlement. In February of last year, the Seoul Western District Court ruled in the first trial that Park Mo-ssi was partially guilty of embezzling 2 billion won in company funds, sentencing him to two years in prison, while Lee Mo-ssi was acquitted.

The sentencing for the appeal trial is scheduled to be held on the 19th of next month.

Netizens expressed outrage, commenting things like 'Are they even real siblings?', 'Sincere apology comes first', and 'Waiting for the day Park Soo-hong's tears dry up,' urging for strict punishment.