Lawyer Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Embezzling Compensation Meant for Gwangju Military Airport Noise Victims

"A Serious Breach of Professional Duty as an Attorney"

A practicing attorney who embezzled compensation funds intended for residents affected by noise from the Gwangju military airport has been sentenced to a prison term in the first trial. The court handed down a severe sentence, citing the gravity of betraying the duties of an attorney, but did not order immediate detention, offering an opportunity for restitution to the victims.

On May 13, Presiding Judge Yoo Hyung-woong of the Criminal Division 10 of the Gwangju District Court announced that Attorney A (aged 65), who was indicted on charges including occupational embezzlement, had been sentenced to one year in prison. However, the court decided not to detain the defendant immediately, giving him a chance to repay the embezzled compensation funds.

Exterior view of Gwangju District Court.

Attorney A had represented 65 residents from villages near the Gwangju military airport in a lawsuit against the Ministry of National Defense, seeking compensation for noise damage. In May 2024, following a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs, the government paid KRW 77 million in compensation to the residents. However, Attorney A did not deliver the funds to his clients, kept them in his possession, and was subsequently prosecuted on charges of embezzlement.

An investigation revealed that Attorney A had used the compensation funds for personal purposes, including repaying his own debts and covering living expenses, spending the entire amount. He was also charged with failing to pay approximately KRW 10 million in wages to an employee at his law office from 2024 through last year.

Nearly two years have passed since the Ministry of National Defense disbursed the compensation, yet Attorney A has not returned any of the embezzled funds. During his first trial, he pleaded with the court for "just two more months," but had still not repaid any money by the time of sentencing. He admitted to all charges during the proceedings.

Judge Yoo stated, "The defendant violated his professional duties as an attorney by diverting valuable compensation that should have gone to the victims, showing particularly egregious conduct. In determining the sentence, the court considered the fact that over a year has passed since the complaint was filed without any restitution, as well as the defendant's prior criminal record."

Meanwhile, the Korean Bar Association plans to initiate disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the relevant procedures if Attorney A's criminal conviction becomes final.

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