Rhyme's Lee Jong-pil and Kim Bong-hyun's Escape Aider Sentenced to 8 Months in First Trial

Court: "Obstruction of Criminal Justice... Serious Nature of Crime"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] An accomplice who helped former Lime Asset Management Vice President Lee Jong-pil and former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun, key figures in the Lime Asset Management scandal causing damages worth 1.6 trillion won, to flee was sentenced to prison in the first trial.

On the 10th, Judge Choi Yeon-mi of the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 8 sentenced Jang, who was detained and prosecuted on charges of aiding a fugitive, to 8 months in prison.

Judge Choi stated, “Aiding a fugitive obstructs the criminal justice function and is a serious offense. The defendant did not show remorse during the recidivism period. The motive and circumstances of the crime are not light, as the defendant expected economic benefits from proposals by Chairman Kim Bong-hyun and others that they could do business together if things went well.”

She added, “The crime of aiding a fugitive obstructs the state’s criminal justice functions, including the duties of investigative agencies,” but also noted, “Considering that the defendant did not actually gain significant benefits and showed an attitude of remorse, these are favorable factors.”

Previously, Jang was brought to trial on charges of helping former Vice President Lee, who fled during the investigation following the 2019 Lime scandal, by transporting him to Busan to aid his escape. Jang was also wanted after failing to appear despite being contacted by investigative agencies regarding the allegations.

Jang’s defense pleaded for leniency, stating, “At the time, we did not even know what the Lime scandal was,” and “The money received as compensation for giving a ride was only between 500,000 and 1,000,000 won,” but the request was denied.

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