Eight-month jail term sought for Chong Kun Dang chief

Rhee Jang-han, chairman of Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical

By Park Si-soo

The prosecution is seeking an eight-month jail term for the chairman of Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical accused of verbal abusing his drivers and disrupting their safe driving.

Prosecutors made the request in the final hearing of the case at Seoul Central District Court, Monday.

Rhee Jang-han, the chairman, admitted his wrongdoing and apologized to the victims.

“I'm really sorry to the drivers whose hearts got hurt by me,” the chairman said. “Also I feel sorry to the people.”

He begged for mercy. “I did it mistakenly, without any malicious or authoritative intent. I admit I did something wrong. Please show mercy.”

Rhee was charged with verbally abusing six drivers and forcing them to violate traffic rules for four years from June 2013. This case came to light in July 2017 after audio clips of him verbally attacking his chauffeurs were made public.

The ruling will be made on Jan. 24.