Rhyme Inspection Drinking Entertainment Case, 1st Trial Sentencing Delayed 2 Weeks Due to Kim Bong-hyun's Absence

Kim Bong-hyun Absent from First Trial Sentencing Hearing... Rescheduled for the 30th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The first trial verdict for former and current prosecutors involved in the 'alcohol entertainment suspicion' case of former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun was postponed due to Kim's absence from the trial.

On the 16th at 2 p.m., Judge Park Young-soo of the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 11 held the first trial verdict session for former prosecutor-turned-lawyer Lee and prosecutor Na, who were indicted for violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (Anti-Graft Act), along with former Chairman Kim.

It is reported that around 11:30 a.m., before the verdict session, Kim's side informed the court that he would not be able to attend. Consequently, the court postponed the verdict date to two weeks later, on the 30th.

Previously, at the sentencing hearing held on the 9th of last month, the prosecution requested a six-month prison sentence for the defendants and also requested a fine of 1.14 million won from prosecutor Na, calculated as entertainment expenses.

The prosecution stated, "This case, where active prosecutors received alcohol entertainment from a person identified as the main culprit of a massive financial fraud at a high-end room salon, shocked the public greatly. The defendants deny the charges by suggesting possibilities such as discounts on the alcohol bill or that Lee Jong-pil (former Lime Asset Management vice president) and Kim (former Blue House administrator) might have been present at the drinking party, but these claims are clearly refuted by receipts showing the alcohol costs and the testimonies of the parties involved," explaining their reasons for the prosecution.

In response, lawyer Lee and prosecutor Na claimed innocence and pleaded for leniency. In his final statement, lawyer Lee emphasized, "The drinking party was not an entertainment event hosted by Kim Bong-hyun but a social gathering with juniors unrelated to Lime. It is a clear fact that former Vice President Lee and former Administrator Kim were present at the table."

Prosecutor Na also said, "The investigation into the Lime case may seem insufficient or inadequate to the public, but internally, we worked very hard and are in the process of verifying important suspects and politicians. I deeply regret that due to my wrongful actions, my juniors have not received the evaluations they deserve and have become targets of criticism."

Na's defense attorney added in the closing argument, "While acknowledging that his behavior was inappropriate as an active prosecutor, it is difficult to endure the stigma and frame of being the 'Lime alcohol entertainment prosecutor.' At least here in this court, I hope there will be a clue for the defendant to restore his honor in the future."

Lawyer Lee and prosecutor Na were tried on charges of receiving alcohol entertainment worth approximately 5.36 million won at a room salon in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on July 18, 2019.

When indicting them in December 2020, the prosecution calculated the entertainment cost per person by excluding 550,000 won for the band and hostesses from the total alcohol bill of 5.36 million won, dividing the remaining 4.81 million won by the five participants, resulting in about 960,000 won per person.

Later, by dividing the band and hostess tip costs by three and adding that amount, the prosecution estimated the entertainment cost per person for the three indicted individuals at 1.14 million won. Two prosecutors who left the drinking party before the band and hostesses arrived were excluded from indictment, as their entertainment costs were calculated at about 960,000 won each.

The defendants have argued that the total number of attendees, including former Lime Vice President Lee Jong-pil and former Blue House Administrator Kim, was seven, and if the entertainment cost is calculated per person based on this number, the amount received per person is under 1 million won, which is not punishable under the Anti-Graft Act.

The trial focused on issues such as whether former Administrator Kim and former Vice President Lee attended, the exact ending time of the drinking party, and the precise amount of the alcohol bill paid by former Chairman Kim. Former Administrator Kim denied attending altogether, while former Vice President Lee stated that he was present briefly but did not drink alcohol.

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