'Embezzlement and Breach of Trust' Choi Seonwon Sentenced to 2 Years and 6 Months in First Trial... Avoids Immediate Imprisonment

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Choi Sun-won, former chairman of SK Networks, who was indicted on charges of embezzlement and breach of trust involving 200 billion won, was sentenced to imprisonment in the first trial.

The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 23 (Presiding Judge Yoo Young-geun) on the 27th recognized some of the charges of embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes against former Chairman Choi and sentenced him to 2 years and 6 months in prison.

However, the court did not detain former Chairman Choi, stating, "Considering the defendant's social status and attitude, there appears to be no risk of flight, and concerns about evidence destruction, which were issues in the first trial, have been almost resolved."

Cho Dae-sik, chairman of the SK Supex Council, who was tried together, was acquitted.

Former Chairman Choi was prosecuted on charges of embezzling and breaching trust totaling 223.5 billion won from six affiliates including SK Networks, SKC, and SK Telesys, under the pretexts of pursuing a personal golf course business, paying false salaries to family and relatives, paying for personal capital increase, and supporting insolvent affiliates.

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