Trial of Yoo Jae-su on 'Bribery Charges'... Reasons for Appeal by Prosecution and Yoo Jae-su

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Both the prosecution and the defense team of Yoo Jae-su (56), former Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs of Busan, have submitted appeals to the court, passing the ball to the second trial panel. The fierce courtroom battle between the prosecution, who called Yoo a "corrupt official" and requested severe punishment, and Yoo’s side, who countered by calling it a "fishing expedition" by the prosecution, is expected to continue in the second trial following the first. The second trial will be held at the Seoul High Court.

The prosecution was the first to submit an appeal. On the 26th, the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office stated, "After reviewing the first trial verdict, there are grounds for factual errors, legal misinterpretations, and serious sentencing irregularities such as violations of sentencing guidelines," and submitted the appeal to the court.

The prosecution has emphasized strong punishment for former Deputy Mayor Yoo. At the sentencing hearing, the prosecution requested the court to sentence Yoo to five years in prison and impose a fine of 47,005,952 won. The prosecution explained the reason for the request, saying, "As a high-ranking official, he accepted bribes over a long period, which is unbecoming, and even after being transferred to Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs of Busan following the Blue House audit, he showed the typical behavior of a corrupt official instead of restraining himself. The giver claims to have voluntarily helped and provided the money due to a personal relationship, showing no remorse."

During the trial, Yoo’s close associates who appeared as witnesses supported the prosecution’s argument. Jung Mo (46), CEO of an asset management company who provided airline tickets and internship opportunities for Yoo’s son at Yoo’s request, testified that he expected "business-related assistance" through this.

Jung Mo (43), executive director of a financial company who hired Yoo’s younger brother Yoo Mo, also appeared and testified that he hired Yoo Mo as deputy head of the management support office under the instruction of the company CEO Choi Mo (41). Jung said, "At the time of hiring, I thought Yoo Mo was not suitable and reported this, but CEO Choi said to hire him if possible," adding, "This instruction was unusual."

On the day after the prosecution’s appeal, the 27th, Yoo’s defense team also submitted an appeal to the Seoul Eastern District Court. Immediately after the first trial verdict, Yoo’s defense team told reporters, "We respect the court’s judgment but plan to appeal to further clarify facts regarding parts judged guilty," and stated their position that "there was no quid pro quo in the bribery."

Yoo’s side has denied the charges, claiming the prosecution’s indictment was excessive. Yoo’s lawyers said, "We do not deny the facts themselves, but the relationship was based on close personal friendship, and we cannot acknowledge job-relatedness or quid pro quo," and argued, "The prosecution turned the disciplinary cover-up case into a criminal case through a fishing expedition and excessive investigation to increase the number of bribe payments."

In his final statement, Yoo said, "I am infinitely ashamed and devastated to stand here," but denied the charges, stating, "I firmly declare that I never engaged in any corrupt acts that would benefit any particular person nor received benefits in return."

On the 22nd, the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Son Joo-chul) sentenced Yoo, indicted on charges including bribery, to one year and six months in prison with a three-year probation. The court also ordered a fine of 90 million won and a confiscation of 42.21 million won.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.