Jeong Jong-seon, Former High School Football Federation Chairman, Fined in First Trial... Acquitted of Embezzlement and Sexual Assault

Jeong Jong-seon, former president of the High School Football Federation [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] Jeong Jong-seon, former president of the High School Football Federation, who was accused of embezzlement and sexual assault, was sentenced to a fine in the first trial. The court recognized only some charges, including violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, as guilty.

The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 22 (Presiding Judge Yang Cheol-han) sentenced former president Jeong, who was indicted on charges including quasi-rape, to a fine of 3 million won on the 21st. The court also ordered a confiscation of 40 million won. The court stated, "Although the amount received from parents by the defendant is not small, considering his 19 years of service as a football coach with excellent results."

Jeong, a former national football team player, was tried on charges of receiving tens of millions of won from parents under various pretexts such as football club operating expenses during his tenure as coach of Seoul Eonnam High School, and embezzling part of the training compensation paid by overseas clubs to the school. Jeong was also accused of sexually assaulting a parent.

The court acquitted Jeong of most charges. Regarding the embezzlement charge, the court ruled, "Half of the alleged amount was used for football club operations, and the rest appears to have been settled afterward with the sponsorship committee treasurer," adding, "It cannot be considered embezzlement for personal use." On the sexual assault charge, the court acquitted him, stating, "The testimony of Pi-ja lacks consistency."

However, the court found Jeong guilty of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. The court elaborated, "It is recognized that Jeong received money and goods exceeding the amount set as performance bonuses through the parents' sponsorship committee."

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