Prosecution Targets SPC Chairman Heo Young-in...Key Evidence Lies in Testimony of CEO Hwang Jae-bok, Who Was in ICU

As the prosecution zeroes in on the 'mastermind' behind SPC Group's alleged coercion of Paris Baguette bakery workers to quit their union, the health condition of a key witness has emerged as a variable. Hwang Jae-bok, CEO of SPC (who has been indicted and detained) and who named SPC Group Chairman Huh Young-in as the higher-up, was transferred to the intensive care unit, raising concerns about the credibility of his testimony.

[Image source=Beomryul Newspaper]

The Public Investigation Division 3 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (led by Chief Prosecutor Im Sam-bin) summoned Chairman Huh on the 25th for questioning as a suspect on charges of violating the Labor Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act. This came three days after CEO Hwang was indicted and detained on bribery charges. Chairman Huh reportedly denied the allegations. This contradicts Hwang’s testimony that Huh forced the withdrawal from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (Minju No Chong) and bribed investigators. About an hour into the questioning, Huh complained of chest pain and requested a halt to the investigation. The prosecution is reportedly considering whether to conduct additional questioning since the investigation did not proceed smoothly.

CEO Hwang is accused of coercing members of the Minju No Chong Hwaseom Food Union Paris Baguette branch, who were employed by PB Partners, a subsidiary of SPC Group, to quit the union from July 2019 to August 2022, and of engaging in unfair labor practices such as disadvantaging them in promotions. He is also accused of conspiring with SPC Executive Director Baek to provide entertainment and money worth about 6 million won to prosecutor investigator Kim and receiving investigation information. At that time, Chairman Huh was under investigation by the prosecution for violations of the Fair Trade Act and breach of trust related to unfair support of affiliates.

During the investigation, the detained CEO Hwang reportedly testified that he followed Chairman Huh’s instructions. Hwang’s testimony has become a crucial channel in the investigation leading to the top of the union withdrawal coercion case. However, with Chairman Huh denying the allegations by saying he "did not know," the suspects’ testimonies are conflicting.

The problem lies in the credibility of CEO Hwang’s testimony. According to legal circles, Hwang’s health condition reportedly deteriorated from the early stages of the investigation. Hwang, who had a pre-existing condition, recently underwent heart stent surgery due to a myocardial infarction. Ultimately, Hwang was transferred to the intensive care unit during his detention period. With family visits restricted, Hwang’s side is reportedly considering filing for bail. For the prosecution, which must prove Chairman Huh’s involvement, the possibility that Hwang’s testimony may be shaken or its credibility impeached is a concerning issue.

A former prosecutor turned lawyer said, "The opposing side, Chairman Huh’s camp, may argue that Hwang’s testimony is less credible because he was questioned while in a critical health condition. We need to watch how CEO Hwang’s health and bail status, as the 'key man' in identifying the higher-ups, will affect the investigation."

Woo Bin, Legal Times Reporter

※This article is based on content supplied by Law Times.

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