Prosecution Seeks 5-Year Prison Sentence in 2nd Trial for Hong Jung-wook's Daughter on Drug Smuggling Charges

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] In the appeal trial of Hong Mo (20), the daughter of former lawmaker Hong Jung-wook, who was indicted for using and smuggling drugs overseas and received a suspended prison sentence in the first trial, the prosecution demanded a 5-year prison sentence.

On the 10th, the prosecution requested the court to deliver such a sentence at the appeal trial hearing held by the 8th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Chief Judge Jeong Jong-gwan). In the previous first trial, Hong was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 3-year suspension.

This trial was the first appeal hearing held after both the prosecution and Hong appealed the first trial's verdict. However, as Hong's side expressed their intention to withdraw the appeal on the day, the court immediately proceeded with the sentencing procedure.

In the final argument, Hong's lawyer requested leniency, stating, "While studying abroad alone, she purchased a small amount of drugs out of curiosity and to momentarily forget her depression, and used them personally."

Hong also stated in her final statement, "I deeply repent for hurting my parents and family due to my mistakes and negligence," and promised, "If leniency is granted, I will live a meaningful life that repays my family's love and the expectations of those around me."

Hong was caught smuggling six liquid marijuana cartridges, a variant drug, and LSD (paper-type drug) during immigration inspection at Incheon International Airport on September 27 last year and was indicted without detention.

She is also accused of purchasing drugs three times and using or smoking them nine times from February 2018 to September last year in the United States and other places. It was investigated that Hong purchased drugs by delivery to the dormitory of the high school she attended in the U.S. and used them.

The court scheduled Hong's sentencing hearing for the 26th of this month.

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