'Huh Seok, Mayor of Suncheon, Avoids Disqualification in Second Trial for Misuse of National Subsidies'

Original Sentence: 징역형 집행유예 선고한 원심 파기 "직위 상실형 가혹해"

Translated Sentence: Reversal of Original Sentence Suspended Imprisonment "Position Loss Penalty Too Harsh"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Former Suncheon Mayor Heo Seok avoided a sentence that would invalidate his election after being accused of embezzling state subsidies paid as wages for intern reporters.

The Gwangju District Court's 3rd Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Kim Tae-ho) on the 25th overturned the original ruling that sentenced Mayor Heo (former representative of Suncheon Citizen's Newspaper) to 10 months in prison with a 2-year probation for fraud charges, and instead imposed a fine of 20 million won.

For elected officials, a final confirmed sentence of imprisonment or higher in a criminal case results in loss of office.

Former editor-in-chief Jeong and general affairs officer Park were fined between 10 million and 20 million won.

Mayor Heo was prosecuted on charges of embezzling 160 million won from the regional newspaper development fund, which was paid under the pretext of wages for freelance experts and intern reporters while he was the newspaper's representative.

The court upheld the original ruling recognizing the conspiracy between Mayor Heo, former editor-in-chief Jeong, and general affairs officer Park, rejecting claims of factual error and legal misinterpretation.

However, the court deemed the sentence that would cause the mayor to lose his position as excessively harsh.

The court stated, "After reviewing the trial and considering the facts acknowledged through various records, it is justifiable that the original ruling recognized the conspiracy between defendant Heo Seok, former editor-in-chief Jeong, and general affairs officer Park."

However, it added, "It is difficult to see that the improperly received subsidies were used for personal gain, as they were used for newspaper operating funds," and noted, "Heo has deposited approximately 630 million won with the Korea Press Foundation, restoring the damage."

It further explained, "Considering the degree of illegality of this crime and the disadvantages Heo faces, sentencing him to lose his position is judged to be excessively harsh." The prosecution's appeal requesting a 1 year and 6 months prison sentence, claiming the sentencing was unfair, was dismissed as "without merit."

Mayor Heo stated before reporters that he would consult with his legal team to decide whether to file an appeal. If he disagrees with this ruling, he must submit an appeal within 7 days.

He said, "First, I apologize to the citizens for the trouble caused during the trial process, and above all, I express my gratitude to the court."

At the last hearing, in his final statement, he said, "I deeply take responsibility for what happened at the newspaper I was involved with," and "Above all, I apologize for causing concern to the citizens of Suncheon. I will live serving Suncheon and its citizens from now on."

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