Park Soo Hong’s older brother, Mr. Park, and his sister-in-law, Ms. Lee, accused of embezzling tens of billions of won from the entertainer’s earnings and company funds, made tearful final statements during their appeal trial. The prosecution has called for stiff penalties, requesting a seven-year prison sentence for Mr. Park and three years for Ms. Lee.
On Wednesday, the Seoul High Court’s 7th Criminal Division held the appeal trial’s final hearing. During his statement, Mr. Park said, “I am deeply sorry for causing concern to so many people because of this case. I reflect on my actions every day with deep remorse.” He broke down in tears, adding, “Our parents are still receiving medical treatment, and my young daughter is suffering from panic disorder.” He also expressed frustration at what he described as unfair public criticism, saying, “Even though our family is innocent, we are being socially condemned.”
Ms. Lee, sitting beside him, also became emotional. “For more than three years, it has felt as though my life has been on hold. I live in constant fear of seeing the news or reading articles about this case,” she said. Mr. Park was seen dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief in response.
The couple is accused of embezzling roughly 6.17 billion KRW (about 4.2 million USD) over nearly a decade while managing Park Soo Hong’s entertainment activities since 2011. The prosecution emphasized that Mr. Park repeatedly misappropriated company funds and made harmful remarks toward his younger brother, asking the court to sentence him to seven years. For Ms. Lee, prosecutors highlighted her long-term involvement in the embezzlement alongside her husband while claiming she was only a housewife and honorary employee, stressing that her lack of a criminal record did not lessen the seriousness of her actions, and requested a three-year sentence.
In the initial trial, Mr. Park was found guilty of embezzling 2 billion KRW (around 1.5 million USD) and received a two-year prison sentence, while Ms. Lee was acquitted. Both sides appealed, leading to the current proceedings.
Park Soo Hong, a popular television host since the 1990s, is best known for shows such as Radio Star, Animal Farm, and My Little Old Boy, and has earned widespread admiration for his kind and hardworking image. The revelation that he was financially betrayed by his own brother shocked the public. Park Soo Hong has pursued legal action to recover his assets and seek compensation for psychological distress caused by the ordeal.
The court’s final ruling is now highly anticipated. The case, which has drawn public outrage as a family betrayal, has many watching closely to see whether the defendants’ tearful appeals will influence the outcome. The sentencing date will be announced at a later time.
