‘Ukraine Combat and Hit-and-Run’ Former Captain Lee Geun, Suspended Prison Sentence in Second Trial

Former Captain Lee Geun, who was prosecuted for illegally entering Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, received a suspended prison sentence again in the appellate court.

Former Captain Lee Geun sentenced in the second trial. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Criminal Appeals Division 4-1 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Yang Ji-jeong, Eom Cheol, Lee Hun-jae) on the 18th sentenced Lee, who was charged with violating the Passport Act and the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (hit-and-run causing injury), to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year suspension, the same as the first trial.

The court stated, “The original judgment is correct and there is no error in the facts,” adding, “Although a deposit was made for the hit-and-run causing injury charge, the defendant has not reached a settlement with the victim and continues to offer unconvincing excuses, showing no responsible attitude.”

Regarding the violation of the Passport Act, the court said, “In a way, the defendant acted out of a sense of justice, so the sentence will not be further aggravated,” and added, “As a public figure, the defendant should show a more responsible attitude.”

Former Captain Lee was prosecuted for entering Ukraine in March 2022 without permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to use his passport, despite a Level 4 travel advisory (travel ban) being issued. He is known to have joined the foreign unit ‘Territorial Defense Forces International Brigade’ in Ukraine. After being injured on the battlefield, he returned to Korea two months later for treatment and voluntarily appeared before the police.

He is also accused of leaving the scene without providing aid after causing an accident with a motorcycle while driving in Seoul in July 2022.

After the sentencing, former Captain Lee told reporters, “I knew I would be punished before going to Ukraine, but I went with a sense of duty and do not regret it,” and added, “I apologize for violating the law.” However, regarding the hit-and-run charge, he said, “I did not know an accident had occurred. If I had realized the situation, I would have definitely stopped to check,” and stated, “I cannot accept the judgment on the hit-and-run.”

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