Former President Park boycotts hearing
Former South Korea President Park Geun-hye arrives at the Seoul Central District Court on Sep 18, 2017 in Seoul. / The Korea Times fileBy Kim Hyun-binFormer President Park Geun-hye failed to appear at the first hearing of her second trial, this time on charges of accepting bribes, embezzlement, and causing government losses, Tuesday. Park is accused of taking 3.6 billion won ($3.35 million) from National Intelligence Service chiefs, while serving in the nation's top office.Three former spy agency chiefs _ Nam Jae-joon, Lee Byung-ki and Lee Byong-ho _ allegedly gave the money from the agency's off-book funds.Nam headed the National Intelligence Service (NIS) from 2013 to 2014. He is suspected of paying 600 million won to the ex-president.Lee Byung-ki and Lee Byong-ho are also accused of handing over regular payments to Park.Her lawyers submitted a statement to the Seoul Central District Court, denying the charges, adding Park was unable to attend the hearing due to her health.“The defendant did not appear in court. We concluded it is impossible to force her attendance,” th
Apr 24, 2018