Former Asan Institute for Policy Studies Director Ham Jae-bong Sentenced to Probation for Embezzling 900 Million Won in Research Funds

Ham Jae-bong, former president of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Ham Jaebong (62), former president of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, who was indicted on charges of embezzling research funds for personal use, was sentenced to probation in the first trial.

The Criminal Division 12 of the Seoul Western District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Jeongmin) on the 13th sentenced former President Ham, who was tried for violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (breach of trust) and embezzlement in the course of duty, to two years in prison with three years of probation.

Former President Ham is accused of embezzling about 1 billion KRW from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies' budget. He was indicted without detention on charges of using this money for personal purposes such as traveling abroad with his family and paying for his children's overseas education. In the sentencing hearing held last month, the prosecution demanded a four-year prison sentence.

The court pointed out, "The defendant, despite being the representative of the victim corporation, prioritized personal gain, deteriorated the finances, and abused his position and authority as a means to seek unjust benefits," adding, "The crime was repeated over a long period, and the total damage amounted to 950 million KRW."

However, the court stated the reasons for sentencing, considering "the damage suffered by the corporation has been restored, and petitions for leniency from the victim corporation as well as acquaintances and academic figures," and "the defendant's contribution to the expansion of the private think tank victim corporation's scope and enhancement of research capabilities, and the fact that he has no prior criminal record except for a past fine."

Former President Ham served as a professor in the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Yonsei University, Director of the Social Sciences Department at UNESCO Headquarters, and in 2010, he was a member of the Presidential Committee on Future Planning.

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