'Gwangju Collapse Disaster' Hakdong Faction Boss Accused of Taking Bribes Denies Charges in First Trial

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] A man in his 70s, a former gang leader accused of receiving bribes related to the Gwangju 'Hakdong Disaster,' denied the charges and shifted responsibility to a co-defendant at his first trial.

Judge Kim Yong-min of the Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 10 held the first hearing on the 3rd for Lee (74), a former leader of the 'Hakdong faction,' and Joo Mo (70), CEO of Taepyeong Tower, who were indicted on charges of violating the Attorney-at-Law Act.

They were prosecuted for allegedly receiving 100 million won from an operator in the related industry under the pretext of helping a demolition company be selected for the 'Dong-gu Hakdong 4 District Redevelopment Project' at a funeral hall in Dong-gu in April 2019.

Broker Joo arranged a meeting between Lee, who has strong local community connections, and the demolition company operator, facilitating the illegal transaction.

Lee is reported to be friends with the redevelopment association chairman and maintains close relationships with the chairman’s associates.

Lee’s defense attorney denied the conspiracy, claiming that Joo acted alone in committing the crime.

On the other hand, Joo’s defense attorney admitted the charges and stated, "The co-conspirator is shifting responsibility, and we will correct this during the upcoming witness examination."

The prosecution applied to call the defendants and the demolition company operator who gave the money as witnesses.

The next trial is scheduled for January 19 at 3 p.m. next year.

Meanwhile, Lee is also on trial for allegedly conspiring with Moon Heung-sik (61), a former chairman of the May 18 Detained and Injured Association and former gang member, to arrange the selection of redevelopment maintenance companies such as demolition contractors and receiving money and goods from companies including Hansol Enterprise.

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