Former Secretary to No So-young Who Embezzled 2.1 Billion Appeals for Leniency in Trial: "Deeply Reflecting"

by Lee Jieun

Published 07 Jun.2024 13:44(KST)

Defense Attorney: "Suspect Making Efforts to Repay"

Lee Mo (34), a secretary accused of embezzling more than 2.1 billion won in personal funds while working as the secretary to Noh So-young, director of Art Center Nabi, admitted to the charges in her first trial.

Noh So-young, Director of Art Center Nabi. [Image source=Asia Economy DB]

On the 7th, Lee's lawyer stated at the first hearing held at the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Bae Seong-jung) on charges including violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (fraud) and forgery of private documents, "The defendant generally admits to the charges and deeply reflects on her actions," adding, "She is making efforts to fully compensate the damages through her husband and both families. Considering the defendant’s poor health and her clean criminal record prior to this case, we ask for the maximum leniency possible."

The lawyer argued that considering some refinancing loans, the actual damage to Director Noh amounts to approximately 1.75 billion won. Lee returned about 100 million won to the account, and regarding the 600 million won deposit for her residence, a debt transfer contract was signed, so about 700 million won has been repaid to date.

Lee, who joined Art Center Nabi in 2019, is accused of transferring approximately 1.975 billion won from Director Noh’s account to her own account dozens of times from December 2019 until the end of last year. She is also charged with opening a bank account using Director Noh’s name and embezzling a total of 190 million won through two loans between 2020 and 2022. Additionally, last year, she allegedly impersonated Director Noh and sent text messages to Art Center employees instructing them to transfer bonus payments, embezzling 500 million won in public funds.