Prosecution Seeks 5-Year Prison Sentence for Baekhyeondong Developer

by Oh Jooyean

Published 04 Feb.2025 19:45(KST)

5-Year Prison Sentence Requested for Jung Baul, CEO of Asia Developer, in Baekhyeon-dong Corruption Case
Prosecution Cites "Typical Example of Local Entrenched Corruption"

The prosecution has requested a 5-year prison sentence in the first trial for Jung Ba-ul, CEO of Asia Developer, a developer in Baekhyeon-dong accused of embezzlement and breach of trust involving hundreds of billions of won.

On the 4th, at the sentencing hearing held before the Criminal Division 27 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Woo In-seong), the prosecution asked for a 5-year prison term along with a fine of 200 million won.

The prosecution stated, "The Baekhyeon-dong development corruption case is a typical example of local entrenched corruption," adding, "The defendant obtained enormous development profits through preferential treatment from Seongnam City and embezzled large sums of related company funds to lead a lavish lifestyle. Furthermore, the trust of Seongnam citizens was severely damaged during the development corruption process, causing significant intangible public harm. Considering all these factors, this is a very serious matter."

On the other hand, Jung’s defense denied the charges of breach of trust and embezzlement.

Jung’s defense attorney argued, "Since the parties properly executed the agreed sales costs according to the business feasibility table of the development project, the charge of breach of trust cannot be established." They also claimed that the 5 billion won donation to a nonprofit organization where Jung’s wife serves as chairperson was agreed upon with the PFV parties and therefore does not constitute embezzlement.

In his final statement, Jung said, "At the beginning of the case, I was introduced to Kim In-seop and asked for help, but I never requested illegal permits or favors. Although the issuance of the civil engineering sales contract was interpreted as unfairly intercepting PF profits, I feel wronged. I am ashamed of causing social controversy and deeply regret my actions."