"'Mokpo Speculation Allegations' Son Hye-won Sentenced to Prison, Jin Joong-kwon Says 'Minister Choo Has Much to Do'"

Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Son Hye-won, who was prosecuted on charges of real estate speculation in Mokpo, was sentenced to imprisonment in the first trial, while former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon sarcastically remarked, "Minister Choo Mi-ae will have a lot to do."

On the 12th, former professor Jin shared an article on his Facebook stating that Son was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison in the first trial, pointing out that "judicial corruption is serious."

He added, "(Minister Choo Mi-ae) should now impose 'democratic control' over the judiciary," and said, "Son Hye-won is known to be part of the First Lady's circle; this is a big deal."

He further interpreted, "It does not seem like typical real estate speculation. The issue of conflict of interest was taken too lightly," and "The court probably guaranteed the right to defense for that reason. Subjectively, it was a public interest project; objectively, private speculation. Could it be such a situation?"

According to media reports, the Seoul Southern District Court sentenced former lawmaker Son to 1 year and 6 months in prison on charges of violating the Anti-Corruption Act.

Son was prosecuted for purchasing real estate worth approximately 1.4 billion won, including 26 land parcels and 21 buildings within the project area, under the names of acquaintances and a foundation operated by her husband, after learning in advance about Mokpo City's "urban regeneration project plan" in 2017.

Regarding this, Son stated, "It is difficult to accept the guilty verdict based on the prosecution's one-sided claims," and expressed her intention to appeal.

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