Prosecutors on Wednesday sought three-and-a-half years in jail for the country's former communications chief, one of the closest confidants of President Lee Myung-bak, for allegedly taking kickbacks from a local construction company.
Choi See-joong, 75, was arrested and indicted in April on charges of taking 800 million won ($700,500) in bribes from property developer Pi City through broker Lee Dong-ryul on 13 occasions between July 2006 and February 2008.
"The amount of money the defendant received is large and it is undeniable the money was given in return for favors," prosecutors said during the final summation at the Seoul Central District Court. "The crime is unforgivable even if his old age and disease are taken into consideration."
Choi, who has asked for bail citing his health problems, admitted having received the money, but denied allegations that he exerted any influence on the construction project.
"The time has come to close my 50 years of social career, and I feel devastated standing in court right now," Choi, who was once known as Lee's political mentor, said in his final statement.
Choi stepped down as chief of the state-run Korea Communications Commission in January after one of his close aides was accused of receiving large amounts of money in bribes.
The court will hand down its ruling in a final session slated for Sept. 14, court officials said. (Yonhap)