Court not recognizes conspiracy to commit extortion against Samsung
By Lee Kyung-min
A niece of Choi Soon-sil, former President Park Geun-hye’s confidant, and a former vice culture minister, who was a close aide to Choi, have received prison sentences in a corruption trial related to the disgraced former head of state.
A Seoul district court sentenced former minister Kim Chong to three years behind bars, and Jang Si-ho to two-and-a-half years. Kim Chong was acquitted of conspiracy to extort money from Samsung, but convicted of abuse of power and perjury. Following the sentencing, Jang, who was released from a detention center in June, was taken back into custody.
The two, alongside Choi, the central figure in the influence-peddling scandal that removed Park from office, were indicted for pressuring Samsung and Grand Korea Leisure (GKL) _ an affiliate of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism _ to give 1.6 billion won ($1.3 million) and 200 million won, respectively, to the Winter Sports Elite Center owned by Jang.
The Seoul Central District Court said the two deserved harsh punishment for their involvement.
“Jang was aware of the influence of Park and the close relationship between Park and Choi and used that influence for personal benefit,” the court said.
The court added that Jang embezzled part of a GKL state subsidy she got by asking officials to produce false data with the intent to defraud the affiliate.
“She knew the former president’s power and knowingly set up plans seeking personal gain. After some unexpected complications arose, she ordered key officials to resolve the complications and made demands in meetings she set up. She played an important role and is the person who benefited the most. Her actions incurred over 2 billion won in losses to others.”
In sentencing her however, the court said it took into account mitigating circumstances. “Jang admitted to her charges and showed remorse throughout the hearings. She paid part of the embezzled funds back. She helped the prosecution and helped the court uncover the truth.”
The court said Kim deserved harsh punishment for abusing his power as a high-level public official.
“Kim abused his power as the vice minister and cooperated with Choi in her maneuverings. He set up plans and inked agency contracts and pressured his subordinates in the process. Kim demanded dismissals or gave reprimands to those who failed to follow his orders. He is also guilty of giving classified documents to outside figures and of perjury.”
But the court added Kim also had mitigating circumstances. “Other than that involving GKL, he admitted to other charges and showed remorse. He sought to apologize with the ministry officials and has no prior convictions. He also helped and cooperated with the prosecution’s investigation.”
Both have one week to appeal.