Journalist

Eun-mi. Won
  • Court Convicts Kim Keon Hee of Influence-Peddling, Acquits Her in Stock Manipulation Case
    Court Convicts Kim Keon Hee of Influence-Peddling, Acquits Her in Stock Manipulation Case A South Korean court on Tuesday said it recognized Kim Keon Hee’s political influence but ruled that her status alone could not expand criminal liability. The court found her partly guilty over receiving money and valuables linked to the Unification Church, but acquitted her of conspiracy allegations tied to the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case and an opinion-poll controversy involving Myung Tae-kyun, citing insufficient evidence. The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 27, led by Presiding Judge Woo In-sung, said before delivering the verdict that the law cannot be applied differently to the powerful and the powerless. It said core criminal-law principles — the presumption of innocence and resolving ambiguity in the defendant’s favor — do not change based on a person’s position. On the Deutsche Motors case, the panel said there was room to believe Kim may have recognized or accepted the possibility that her accounts could be used for price manipulation. But it said prosecutors did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she coordinated roles or formed a shared intent with the manipulation group to carry out the scheme. The court noted there was no testimony that anyone in the group directly explained the operation to Kim or assigned her a role, and it found no material showing she personally placed trades. It concluded she did not go beyond the role of an investor who provided funds. “Conspiracy requires strict proof of awareness of the overall crime and performance of a role,” the court said, adding that without such proof it must acquit even if suspicion remains. For some acts, it also found the statute of limitations had already expired, considering trading dates, account-management patterns and time gaps. The court also acquitted Kim of violating the Political Funds Act. It said the opinion polls provided by Myung could not be seen as an exclusive financial benefit belonging to Kim and her husband, and it found no confirmation of instructions or involvement by Kim’s side in conducting or publicizing the polls. The court also said there was no evidence that a promise of nomination for a specific person was made in return. It concluded the act’s requirements — a contribution and quid pro quo — were not met. However, the court found her partly guilty in connection with money and valuables received in July 2022, ruling that Kim accepted them while aware of the Unification Church’s request for government-level support. In sentencing, the court said a president’s spouse can have significant influence on the president and is a symbolic figure representing the country, requiring a high level of integrity and restraint. The panel said Kim misused her position as a tool for personal gain. It said money often seeks access around power and that the higher the status, the more consciously one must guard against it, citing her acceptance of expensive luxury items as an unfavorable sentencing factor. After the ruling, the special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki said it was “difficult to accept” the court’s reasoning on co-offender liability, the Political Funds Act and solicitation issues, and said the sentence on the guilty portion was also inadequate given the case. The team said it would challenge the first-trial decision on appeal. Kim’s lawyers said they were grateful to the court for ruling “only according to law and conscience,” but said the sentence for influence-peddling bribery was somewhat high and that they would consider whether to appeal. The decision highlighted how far a president’s spouse’s political influence can be weighed in assessing criminal responsibility. The court did not deny that such influence exists, but drew a line, saying it does not automatically establish conspiracy or criminal liability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:19:15
  • Kim Keon Hee Sentenced to 1 Year, 8 Months; First Case of Ex-President Couple Jailed Together
    Kim Keon Hee Sentenced to 1 Year, 8 Months; First Case of Ex-President Couple Jailed Together Kim Keon Hee, who was indicted in custody on charges including receiving valuables tied to the Unification Church, was sentenced to prison in a first-trial ruling. The decision came after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of obstructing an arrest by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, marking the first time in South Korea’s constitutional history that a former president and spouse have both received prison terms at the same time. The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 27, led by Presiding Judge Woo In Sung, sentenced Kim to one year and eight months on charges of violating the Capital Markets Act, violating the Political Funds Act and influence peddling under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. The court ordered the confiscation of one seized Graff necklace and imposed forfeiture of 12,815,000 won, payable in advance. The court found Kim guilty on only part of the influence-peddling allegations involving the receipt of money and valuables connected to Unification Church-related matters. It acquitted her of allegations tied to Deutsche Motors stock-price manipulation under the Capital Markets Act and claims involving free opinion polling provided by Myung Tae Kyun under the Political Funds Act. The sentence was far below what Special Counsel Min Joong Ki’s team sought at last month’s closing arguments: 15 years in prison, a 2 billion won fine and about 900 million won in forfeiture. After the ruling, the special counsel team said it would appeal, saying, “The court’s findings on co-perpetration, political-funds donations and solicitation that led to acquittals are difficult to accept in light of legal principles and common sense, and the sentencing for the guilty portion is also insufficient.” Kim’s lawyers also said they are reviewing whether to appeal, arguing the sentence is excessive. 2026-01-28 16:21:22
  • Ex-president gets 5 years in prison in first verdict on martial law-related charges
    Ex-president gets 5 years in prison in first verdict on martial law-related charges SEOUL, January 16 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday over one of several charges related to his botched martial law debacle. The Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul handed down the sentence over charges that Yoon obstructed law enforcement by blocking investigators and other officials who attempted to detain him following his abrupt late-night declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024. It was Yoon's first sentencing among his eight different cases related to the debacle including the main charges of insurrection and abuse of power, whose verdict is likely to be handed down next month. Prosecutors had earlier sought 10 years in prison for Yoon - five years for obstruction of official duties, three years for abuse of power, and two years for fabricating official documents, making Thursday's sentence about half of what they had requested. In a nationwide televised trial, the court said Yoon, who had a duty "more than anyone to uphold the Constitution and obey the rule of law," deserves criticism for disregarding procedural requirements meant to prevent abuse of presidential power. The court also found Yoon guilty of convening only a few select Cabinet members to give the appearance of proper deliberation and of drafting a post hoc document related to the declaration to cover up procedural flaws. "When convening a Cabinet meeting, a notice should be given to all members," the court said, adding that notifying only some members infringes on their rights. The court also dismissed Yoon's argument that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), an independent agency established to root out government corruption, lacks jurisdiction over charges of insurrection and abuse of power. Thursday's verdict came about 145 days after the first hearing in the case was held in August last year. 2026-01-16 15:44:40
  • Drug case involving Namyang Dairy heiress transferred to prosecutors
    Drug case involving Namyang Dairy heiress transferred to prosecutors SEOUL, January 2 (AJP) - A case involving Hwang Ha-na, the granddaughter of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products was transferred to prosecutors over drug-related allegations on Friday. According to police in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Hwang, 37, who was arrested last week after fleeing abroad is currently being questioned. The recidivist is suspected of having used methamphetamine again with two acquaintances in southern Seoul in 2023. Hwang reportedly fled to Thailand shortly after learning that she was the target of a police investigation in December 2023 and is believed to have lived in Cambodia after entering the country illegally with an invalid passport. She recently indicated that she would turn herself in, prompting officers to travel to Phnom Penh on Christmas Eve to arrest her, but she is reportedly denying all the allegations. However, some paparazzi media have raised suspicions that she was involved in drug distribution or sex trafficking while on the run. Hwang, who previously drew public attention for her relationship with singer-turned-actor Park Yoo-chun, was convicted of using methamphetamine three times between May and September 2015 at her home in Seoul and elsewhere and received a suspended prison sentence in 2019. The following year, she was again convicted on drug-related charges and received a harsher sentence of 20 months in prison. 2026-01-02 16:14:30
  • Over 25,000 ethnic Koreans regain legal status after overstaying visas
    Over 25,000 ethnic Koreans regain legal status after overstaying visas SEOUL, December 30 (AJP) - More than 25,000 ethnic Koreans who had overstayed their visas here have regained their legal status, the Justice Ministry said on Tuesday. According to the ministry, about 2,522 ethnic Koreans applied for a three-month program implemented between September and November as part of immigration policies to recover their legal status. Of those applicants, 1,544 were granted legal status after undergoing strict screening conducted by legal experts and human rights activists to ensure fairness and transparency in the process. Through the screening process, applicants were assessed for health risks such as infectious diseases and drug use, financial obligations including unpaid taxes and fines, and legal compliance, including criminal records and other offenses. Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho said, "The special program will help them integrate into South Korean society," adding that the ministry will continue to pursue immigration policies that promote national development and social integration. 2025-12-30 14:23:30
  • Namyang Dairy heiress arrested for alleged drug use after fleeing abroad
    Namyang Dairy heiress arrested for alleged drug use after fleeing abroad SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - Hwang Ha-na, the granddaughter of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products has been arrested after fleeing abroad, police said on Wednesday. According to police in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Hwang, 37, arrived at Incheon International Airport earlier in the morning and is currently being questioned over drug-related allegations. She is suspected of having used methamphetamine with two acquaintances in southern Seoul in 2023, again coming under investigation. Police declined to comment further, but Hwang reportedly fled to Southeast Asia shortly after becoming aware that she was a target of a police investigation and is believed to have lived in Cambodia. After Interpol issued a blue notice to locate her, Hwang suggested she would cooperate and appear for questioning, prompting police to initiate formal arrest procedures and travel to Cambodia to bring her back. Hwang, who previously drew public attention for her relationship with singer-turned-actor Park Yoo-chun, was convicted of using methamphetamine three times between May and September 2015 at her home in Seoul and elsewhere and received a suspended prison sentence in 2019. The following year, she was again convicted on drug-related charges and received a harsher sentence of 20 months in prison. The recidivist was also booked last year for alleged drug use in 2023, as part of an investigation into a drug case involving the late actor Lee Sun-kyun. 2025-12-24 14:25:18
  • HYBE shares dip after court orders freeze in chair Bangs stock holdings
    HYBE shares dip after court orders freeze in chair Bang's stock holdings SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Shares of South Korea's entertainment giant HYBE slid more than 1 percent early Friday after a Seoul court approved the prosecution request for a freeze on the stock holdings of its founder and largest shareholder Bang Si-hyuk worth 156.8 billion won ($106 million) while the investigation on malpractice related to pre-listing share transactions proceeded. The KOSPI-trading shares are down 1.4 percent at 291,250 won as of 9:40 a.m. in Seoul. Bang owns 13.151,394 shares or 30.5 percent of HYBE. The Seoul Southern District Court approved the pre-indictment asset freeze, according to legal officials briefed on the case. The move prevents Bang from disposing of the frozen HYBE shares while prosecutors determine whether they represent illicit gains. If wrongdoing is confirmed, the government may seize assets equal in value to those profits. The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office filed the request following a recommendation from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s financial crimes unit, which has been probing the case for several months. The allegations stretch back to 2019, when HYBE — then still known as Big Hit Entertainment — was preparing for what would become one of Korea’s most closely watched IPOs. Investigators say Bang told existing HYBE investors and private equity partners that he had no plans to pursue a public listing, shaping the terms of share transactions at the time. Authorities now allege that, contrary to those assurances, Bang had already entered into a confidential agreement that would allow him to sell part of his stake once the company went public. When HYBE’s valuation soared after its 2020 IPO, police believe Bang realized approximately 190 billion won in gains tied to that undisclosed arrangement. Prosecutors argue that this alleged concealment may constitute investor fraud, prompting the freeze to prevent any movement of shares that could later be subject to seizure. HYBE, in a statement, downplayed the significance of the ruling. “The asset freeze is a standard procedure and does not imply guilt,” a spokesperson said. “We are cooperating fully with the investigation and await the authorities’ decision.” Bang has not been indicted, and the court’s action does not determine the merits of the case. But the size of the freeze — among the largest imposed in recent entertainment-industry investigations — underscores both Bang’s outsized role in Korea’s cultural economy and the scale of the alleged financial misconduct. The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors expected to decide in the coming months whether to formally charge the HYBE chairman. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-05 09:49:35
  • Prosecutors raid Korea Zinc, brokerages in expanding stock issuance probe
    Prosecutors raid Korea Zinc, brokerages in expanding stock issuance probe SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - South Korean prosecutors carried out additional raids on Korea Zinc and securities firms involved in the company’s stock issuance plan, widening an investigation into alleged violations of capital market laws. A joint investigation team of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Kim Jin-ho, searched Korea Zinc’s headquarters and other locations on Tuesday, seizing computers and internal records. Investigators also raided the offices of Mirae Asset Securities, the lead underwriter, and KB Securities, a co-underwriter, as well as certain departments at Hana Bank. The probe centers on allegations that Korea Zinc, one of the world’s largest zinc smelters, may have engaged in unfair trading practices related to its 2.1 trillion won ($1.5 billion) stock issuance plan announced on Oct. 30 last year, shortly after a share buyback. Authorities suspect the firm may have concealed plans to use the new share sale to finance the earlier buyback. Mirae Asset is reported to have begun due diligence for the offering on Oct. 14, despite Korea Zinc’s public statements that it had no plans to alter its financial structure following the repurchase. The Financial Supervisory Service, citing concerns over possible investor confusion, ordered Korea Zinc to revise its securities filing, prompting the company to withdraw the issuance on Nov. 13. The Financial Services Commission later referred the case to prosecutors, citing potential violations of capital rules. Tuesday's searches follow earlier raids in April, when prosecutors seized documents from six corporate offices — including Korea Zinc, Mirae Asset, and KB Securities — and five residences linked to the case. Prosecutors are examining whether executives at Korea Zinc or its financial partners coordinated to mislead investors or profit from undisclosed information ahead of the planned stock sale. Korea Zinc shares closed down 3.07 percent, or 32,000 won, at 1,011,000 won on Tuesday. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-04 15:42:59
  • More South Koreans likely involved in scam frauds in Cambodia
    More South Koreans likely involved in scam frauds in Cambodia SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Statistics suggest that more South Koreans are involved in scam frauds and phishing schemes in Cambodia than previously estimated. According to data from the Ministry of Justice submitted to lawmaker Park Chan-dae of the ruling Democratic Party and revealed on Monday, the number of South Koreans who traveled to Cambodia but did not return has risen sharply in recent years. The figure was 113 in 2021, but surged to a whopping 3,209 in 2022, 2,662 in 2023, and 3,248 in 2024. As of August this year, 864 had not returned. The number of travelers to the Southeast Asian country surged from 5,476 in 2021 to 108,820 in 2024. In the first eight months of this year, 67,609 have traveled there. It is also believed that many people may have entered Phnom Penh via neighboring countries such as Thailand and Viet Nam, which are not reflected in local official statistics. Supporting this, Cambodia's immigration data shows higher numbers, with 60,740 South Koreans entering in 2022 and 192,305 in 2024. For this reason, experts suggest the actual number involved in scam-related crimes may far exceed the estimated 1,000, as some enter Cambodia illegally via China. Emerging evidence and testimony from witnesses indicate that far more South Koreans may have faced detention, violence, and organ trafficking than officially reported. Park emphasized the need for a thorough review of travel records and consular data to tackle the issue. Meanwhile, police are seeking arrest warrants for 59 of the 64 suspects who were detained in Cambodia over alleged online job scams and other crimes and brought home last Saturday. Four were released, and one was denied an arrest warrant by prosecutors. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-20 11:23:45
  • Man sentenced to 12 years in prison for setting fire to Seoul subway train
    Man sentenced to 12 years in prison for setting fire to Seoul subway train SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - The Seoul Southern District Court on Tuesday sentenced a 67-year-old man to 12 years in prison for attempting to murder passengers by setting fire to a Seoul subway train earlier this year. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence for the man, identified only by his surname Won, who was charged with attempted murder, arson, and violating railway safety laws. "The defendant poured gasoline and set fire to a train carrying hundreds of passengers out of dissatisfaction with his divorce proceedings, causing injuries and widespread panic," the court said in its ruling. The ruling came months after Won set fire to a train between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations in May, aiming to kill about 160 passengers, including himself. The fire left six people injured and hospitalized 23 others for smoke inhalation. Won reportedly planned the arson to draw public attention, preparing by purchasing gasoline and selling off his assets. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-14 14:26:14