Prosecution Increases Sentence Request for Employee Assault by Lee Myung-hee to 2 Years 6 Months... Additional Assault Charges Added

Former Ilwoo Foundation Director Lee Myung-hee, who was prosecuted for illegally employing a Filipino domestic worker, is leaving the courtroom after being sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year probation at the first trial held on the 2nd at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The prosecution has requested a prison sentence of 2 years and 6 months for Lee Myung-hee, the wife of the late Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho, who was brought to trial on charges of repeatedly assaulting employees.

This is an increase of 6 months from the 2-year sentence requested in April.

The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 25-3 (Presiding Judge Kwon Sung-soo, Kim Sun-hee, Lim Jeong-yeop) resumed the defense of Lee, who was indicted on habitual special assault charges, on the 9th.

The court had originally planned to hold the sentencing hearing for Lee on the 6th of last month, but decided to resume the defense after the prosecution applied to amend the indictment by adding charges against Lee.

The prosecution added to the indictment that Lee, between 2012 and 2018, threw flowerpots and trowels in anger at the head of the home management office 24 times, saying things like "The plants died because you didn't water them enough." The requested sentence was increased accordingly.

The prosecution stated, "While the habitual nature of the assault is sufficiently recognized based on the initially indicted case, the additional charges make the defendant's habitual behavior even clearer."

In the final argument, Lee's defense attorney said, "The defendant maintains that all the charges stem from her own inappropriate behavior," but added, "Please consider that all complainants have reached settlements and do not wish for the defendant to be punished."

Lee herself asked for leniency, saying, "I sincerely apologize and reflect on all the incidents caused by my foolishness."

Lee was indicted on charges of shouting, cursing, and physically assaulting nine people, including drivers, 22 times between November 2011 and April 2018.

The court plans to hold Lee's sentencing hearing on the 14th of next month.

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