'Son Hye-won Sentenced to 4 Years for Mokpo Speculation... "I Have Never Done Anything Shameful" (Comprehensive)'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The prosecution has demanded a 4-year prison sentence for former lawmaker Son Hyewon, who was brought to trial over allegations of real estate speculation in Mokpo.

On the 10th, the prosecution requested the court to deliver such a sentence during Son’s closing trial held under the presiding of Judge Park Seonggyu at the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 4.

The prosecution also demanded a 2-year and 6-month prison sentence for Son’s aide A, who purchased real estate with him, and a 1-year prison sentence for B, who introduced the real estate to Son.

The prosecution pointed out, "They pursued economic benefits by using their positions to acquire state and Mokpo city information and buying properties under borrowed names in areas expected to rise in market value. They deprived residents living in underdeveloped environments of urban regeneration project opportunities. This is a serious crime that severely damages public trust."

On the other hand, Son stated in her final remarks, "At no moment have I done anything shameful to others related to money or my actions."

She continued, "If the prosecution had observed me for one and a half years, they would have known what kind of person I am, but I am ashamed that I could not persuade them. I hope the judge will also see in more detail the parts related to my legislative work and realize that I am innocent."

Previously, Son was indicted in June last year on charges including violation of the Anti-Corruption Act and the Real Name Real Estate Act.

She is accused of receiving confidential documents titled 'Urban Regeneration Project Plan' twice in May and September 2017 from Mokpo City Hall and using them to have acquaintances purchase real estate worth about 1.4 billion won near the cultural heritage street. She is also accused of purchasing the Mokpo guesthouse Changseongjang under her nephew’s name.

The court scheduled the sentencing trial for former lawmaker Son on August 12 at 2 p.m.

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