Cho Hyun-beom "Resigns as CEO as a Sign of Reflection"... Appeals for Leniency in Second Trial

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The prosecution has requested a four-year prison sentence for Cho Hyun-beom, President of Hankook Tire & Technology, who was sentenced to probation in the first trial on charges of receiving several hundred million won from subcontractors. In response, President Cho pleaded for leniency, saying, "During the four months I was incarcerated, I reflected on what kind of person I should become in the future."

On the 17th, at the first appeal trial held before the 5-1 Criminal Appeals Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Choi Byung-ryul, Yoo Seok-dong, Lee Gwan-hyung), President Cho's side admitted to the prosecution's charges, just as in the first trial.

However, they stated that the sentence in the first trial was too harsh as the reason for the appeal. President Cho's lawyer said, "The defendant is remorseful and reflective," adding, "Considering that the victims do not want the defendant to be punished, the original sentence is too severe."

In his final statement, President Cho said, "I deeply regret causing trouble due to my foolish greed and complacent thoughts," and added, "I even resigned from my position as CEO because I feel I have not yet fully paid for my wrongdoing."

He continued, "I will correct my behavior and mindset and strive to be of some help as a member of society and as an executive," appealing for leniency.

At the trial that day, the prosecution requested the court to sentence President Cho to four years in prison and impose a fine of 615 million won. However, the appeal trial did not proceed to the sentencing hearing as Cho Hyun-sik, Vice Chairman of Hankook Technology Group and President Cho's elder brother, requested witness examination. Vice Chairman Cho's side applied to call their elder sister, Cho Hee-won, as a witness. The second appeal trial for Vice Chairman Cho is scheduled for September 9.

President Cho is accused of pocketing a total of over 600 million won by receiving several million won monthly as delivery fees from Hankook Tire subcontractors. He was also indicted while in custody on charges of regularly embezzling over 200 million won from affiliate company funds. President Cho, who was on trial while detained, was released on bail in March of this year during the first trial.

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