Journalist

Won Eun-mi
  • Kim Geon-hee Faces 7 Years and 6 Months in Prison for Corruption Charges
    Kim Geon-hee Faces 7 Years and 6 Months in Prison for Corruption Charges The special prosecutor's team, led by Min Jung-ki, has requested a prison sentence of 7 years and 6 months for Kim Geon-hee, who is accused of receiving expensive gifts in exchange for favors related to personnel and business dealings. The special prosecutor characterized Kim's actions as a form of corruption exploiting her status as the spouse of the president, emphasizing the need for severe punishment. During a hearing on May 15 at the Seoul Central District Court, the special prosecutor's team requested the court impose a sentence of 7 years and 6 months along with a fine of 56.36 million won. They also sought the confiscation of luxury items, including a painting by Lee U-hwan, a gold turtle, a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, and a Dior bag, which were reportedly received by Kim. The special prosecutor stated, "The spouse of the president is expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and restraint. Kim has repeatedly exploited her influence as the president's spouse to engage in private transactions for personal gain." They further asserted that she effectively reduced the state's public authority and influence to mere commodities, committing acts of corruption rarely seen in constitutional history, yet she continues to deny the allegations, claiming they were merely gifts from acquaintances. They stressed that "severe punishment is unavoidable." Kim, dressed in a black suit, appeared in court with a stern expression, keeping her head down throughout the proceedings. When asked by the special prosecutor about her wearing jewelry received from Lee Bong-kwan, the chairman of Seohui Construction, she largely declined to answer. Kim stated, "I have been taking psychiatric medication for a long time, and there are many parts I do not remember due to my health issues. I will exercise my right to refuse to testify, as I might provide incorrect information." She has been indicted for allegedly receiving luxury items worth approximately 100 million won, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and a Tiffany & Co. brooch, from Lee Bong-kwan between March and May 2022 in exchange for personnel favors for her son-in-law, Park Seong-geun, who was the former chief of staff to the prime minister. The special prosecutor also reported that Kim received a gold turtle worth 2.65 million won from Lee Bae-yong, the former chair of the National Education Commission, in April 2022 in exchange for a request for an appointment. In September of the same year, she allegedly received a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch valued at 39.9 million won from robot dog entrepreneur Seo Seong-bin in return for business support. Additionally, between June and September 2022, she is accused of receiving gifts worth 5.4 million won, including a Dior bag, from Pastor Choi Jae-young in connection with public service duties, and in February 2023, she allegedly received a painting by Lee U-hwan valued at 140 million won in exchange for a request for nomination from former chief prosecutor Kim Sang-min. In contrast, Kim's defense team maintains that most of the gifts were simple presents without any expectation of return or were merely for purchasing on her behalf. They argued that the Van Cleef & Arpels necklace was a congratulatory gift for her election and inauguration, the gold turtle was a token of gratitude, and the wristwatch was simply a purchase on her behalf. They also claimed that there was no evidence that Kim received the painting by Lee U-hwan. Previously, the special prosecutor sought prison sentences of 1 year for Lee Bong-kwan, 1 year for Lee Bae-yong, 1 year and 6 months for Seo Seong-bin, and 4 months for Pastor Choi Jae-young, who were also indicted in the case. The court is scheduled to hold a sentencing hearing for Kim on June 26.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 00:10:43
  • YK Law Firm Offers Experienced Attorneys Annual Salary of 150 Million Won
    YK Law Firm Offers Experienced Attorneys Annual Salary of 150 Million Won YK Law Firm has announced a base salary of over 150 million won (approximately $130,000) per year for experienced attorneys during its hiring process. Amid increasing competition for talent in the law firm sector, YK is emphasizing a compensation system that prioritizes skills and performance over seniority and tenure. According to legal industry sources on May 15, YK recently posted job openings for experienced attorneys in its criminal law and litigation groups. The job listing includes a base salary of at least 150 million won, an annual performance bonus, and priority participation in high-stakes cases. The firm also indicated that salary negotiations could vary based on location and individual capabilities. While the starting salary for new attorneys at large law firms in South Korea typically ranges from 150 million to 180 million won, it is considered unusual for a mid-sized firm to offer such a high base salary for experienced hires. Industry analysts suggest that the competition for securing top talent, particularly in criminal and corporate litigation, is driving up compensation across the board. This hiring initiative aligns with YK's strategy to expand its corporate legal services in response to growing demand from small and medium-sized enterprises. The firm is reportedly accelerating its recruitment of experienced attorneys with practical expertise. Notably, the job announcement includes a statement rejecting the outdated notion that seniority should take precedence over achievement, emphasizing a performance-driven organizational culture. The firm aims to base its compensation structure on the ability to handle cases and deliver results. YK also plans to improve the working conditions for its current attorneys. Reports indicate that the firm is considering a phased salary increase for existing lawyers to align with the new hiring standards. The legal community is observing an intensifying competition for talent between large and mid-sized law firms. Particularly in the fields of criminal and corporate litigation, there is a fierce competition to attract former judges, prosecutors, and graduates from police academies, which is contributing to rising salary levels. In fact, YK has indicated that it will prioritize candidates with outstanding performance in judicial training or law school, as well as those with strong client management skills. Attorneys with backgrounds as judges, prosecutors, or those who have demonstrated success at other law firms will also have the opportunity for separate salary negotiations. A YK representative stated, "We aim to establish a system where the achievements of professionals lead to fair compensation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 22:34:37
  • Former Intelligence Chief Moon Sang-ho Faces Five-Year Sentence for Leaking Agent List
    Former Intelligence Chief Moon Sang-ho Faces Five-Year Sentence for Leaking Agent List The Insurrection Special Prosecutor's team, led by Cho Eun-seok, has requested a five-year prison sentence for former Intelligence Command Chief Moon Sang-ho for allegedly leaking the names of intelligence agents during the martial law declared on December 3. During a sentencing hearing on May 15 at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Hyun-kyung, the prosecution argued for the sentence based on charges of military secret leakage and violations of the Personal Information Protection Act. The prosecution also sought five-year sentences for Kim Bong-kyu, a former head of the Central Newspaper Division (Colonel), and Jeong Seong-wook, a former head of the 100th Brigade's Second Business Division (Colonel), on similar charges. The prosecution stated, "The defendants colluded with civilian Noh Sang-won, a former Intelligence Command Chief, who had no authority to access military information, to participate in the unconstitutional and illegal enforcement of martial law, leading to the leak of military secrets, specifically the list of intelligence agents. The exposure of this list poses a significant risk, as it could make agents direct targets for terrorist groups." They further emphasized, "The defendants were aware that the personal information of agents constituted military secrets and that leaking this information could lead to catastrophic consequences. They neglected their duties and used their subordinates as tools for power rather than protecting them, thereby undermining the foundations of democracy and the rule of law." The prosecution noted that the leaked list was utilized in the formation of the Second Investigation Team, which was created to investigate allegations of election fraud, immediately following the declaration of martial law. They stressed the need for severe accountability. The prosecution explained that the requested sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the defendants' lack of remorse. Moon Sang-ho and others are accused of conspiring with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to leak personal information, including the names of approximately 40 intelligence agents, to Noh Sang-won in order to establish an unofficial organization, the Second Investigation Team, to investigate election fraud allegations. Previously, the prosecution had also sought a five-year sentence for former Minister Kim on the same charges. Noh Sang-won, who allegedly received the list of intelligence agents from Kim, has been sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 14:14:04
  • Kim Yong-hyun Summoned Again Amid Rebellion Charges; Special Prosecutor Pressures Yoon and Former Minister
    Kim Yong-hyun Summoned Again Amid Rebellion Charges; Special Prosecutor Pressures Yoon and Former Minister The second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has notified Kim Yong-hyun, former Minister of National Defense, of a summons scheduled for May 21. According to legal sources, the special prosecutor's team informed Kim that he is to appear as a suspect in a rebellion case under military law. Kim is accused of conspiring with former President Yoon Suk Yeol and others to incite a riot by sending armed soldiers to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission during the declaration of martial law. Kim's team plans to decide whether he will attend the questioning after internal discussions. They argue that the special prosecutor's team is attempting to apply different charges to the same case for which Kim is already under indictment and undergoing trial, claiming this constitutes double investigation and prosecution. Former President Yoon is also asserting that this is a double investigation regarding the same charges. Previously, the special prosecutor's team had summoned Kim on April 29 for questioning related to the rebellion charges. The police special investigation unit had been questioning Kim regarding perjury related to Yoon's impeachment trial, which overlapped with the special prosecutor's investigation, causing it to be postponed. On May 6, the special prosecutor attempted to question Kim regarding charges of organizing a criminal group, but Kim's team submitted a notice of non-attendance. The special prosecutor's team has also notified former President Yoon to appear for questioning on May 23 regarding the rebellion charges, followed by another session on May 26 concerning allegations of abuse of power related to a "justification message for martial law." Kwak Jong-geun, former commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, was summoned for questioning as a suspect for the first time the previous day. The special prosecutor's team has charged Yoon, Kim, and former National Intelligence Service Director Noh Sang-won with rebellion. It remains uncertain whether they will be brought to trial on these charges.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:26:21
  • Adore and Daniels $431 Million Lawsuit Faces Delays in First Hearing
    Adore and Daniel's $431 Million Lawsuit Faces Delays in First Hearing In the first hearing of a $431 million damages lawsuit filed by Adore against former NewJeans member Daniel and former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin, both sides clashed over delays in the proceedings. The court rejected Adore's request to change the hearing date and proceeded as scheduled. The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 31, presided over by Judge Nam In-soo, held the initial hearing on May 14. Neither Daniel nor Min attended, with only their legal representatives present in court. Adore recently appointed a new legal representative, Lee Han Law Firm, after the previous firm, Kim & Jang, resigned. Following this change, Adore submitted a request to reschedule the hearing on May 8, which the court denied. During the hearing, a dispute arose regarding whether Adore had submitted its plan for proving damages. The court had previously required Adore to submit evidence by April 30, but the submission was not made by the deadline. Adore's representative apologized for the failure to submit the plan but insisted there was no intention to delay the case. They argued that the plaintiff also seeks a prompt resolution and that the proceedings should not restrict the plaintiff's ability to prove their case. In contrast, Daniel's side argued, "After four months of litigation, they changed their legal representation and are trying to restart the case, which seems to waste Daniel's prime time as an idol on legal disputes." They claimed that Adore is targeting only Daniel among NewJeans members with this substantial lawsuit, suggesting an ulterior motive to intimidate other members into compliance. Min's side also criticized the delay in submitting the proof plan while changing representatives, calling it a malicious act that harms the defendants' lives, and requested sanctions from the court. In response, Adore's representatives stated, "We have never interfered with Daniel's activities or had disagreements regarding them," arguing that it is contradictory to claim interference while filing a lawsuit based on contract termination. Daniel's side requested that the trials be separated for each defendant, noting that the legal responsibilities regarding Daniel involve contract violations, while those concerning Daniel's family and Min relate to joint illegal acts, indicating different legal structures. The court stated it would decide on the separation of trials at a later date and reiterated its request for Adore to submit the proof plan and witness requests by June 2. The next hearing is scheduled for June 11 at 2 PM. One of the key issues in this lawsuit is the concept of "tampering." The court noted that tampering is a term closely related to industry practices and indicated the need to examine whether it can be immediately classified as illegal. Both sides were asked to submit lower court precedents and international cases from similar industries for review. Adore filed the lawsuit in December after notifying Daniel of the termination of his exclusive contract, seeking damages, including penalties, totaling $431 million. Previously, on April 30, the court ruled in favor of Adore in a case confirming the validity of the exclusive contract.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 02:29:13
  • Special Prosecutor Summons Kwak Jong-geun as First Suspect in Military Coup Investigation
    Special Prosecutor Summons Kwak Jong-geun as First Suspect in Military Coup Investigation The second Comprehensive Special Investigation Team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, summoned former Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-geun on May 14 as a suspect in connection with the state of emergency declared on December 3. This marks the first time the special prosecutor has summoned Kwak as a suspect.The special prosecutor's team is currently investigating Kwak regarding charges of rebellion under the Military Criminal Act, having called him in for questioning at 2 p.m. On March 3, Kwak appeared before the Comprehensive Special Investigation as a witness.Kwak is accused of sending subordinate soldiers to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission to incite riots during the declaration of the state of emergency.The special prosecutor has also implicated former President Yoon Suk Yeol, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, and former Director of the Defense Intelligence Command Noh Sang-won in rebellion charges. This is interpreted as the special prosecutor's view that deploying military personnel to state institutions such as the National Assembly constitutes rebellion against the state.However, it remains uncertain whether the special prosecutor can bring these charges to trial.Previously, the Prosecutor's Special Investigation Unit had considered applying rebellion charges against former President Yoon but ultimately decided against it, citing difficulties in prosecution. It was reported that the rationale was that 'it is difficult to apply rebellion charges since the incident involved Yoon, the military commander, as the leader of the insurrection.'Both Yoon and Kim have refused to comply with the special prosecutor's summons, arguing that it constitutes a double investigation of the same case for which they are already facing insurrection charges.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 20:07:33
  • Seum Hosts Startup Investment Negotiation Competition for Law Students
    Seum Hosts Startup Investment Negotiation Competition for Law Students Seum, a law firm specializing in startups, hosted a mock consultation competition for law students to experience practical startup investment negotiations. This initiative comes as the demand for legal advice in the growing AI startup sector increases, sparking interest among aspiring legal professionals in the startup legal field. On May 13, Seum announced it conducted the "2026 Night Where Startups Meet Law - Legal Battle Field" for students from Seoul National University’s Startup Law Society. The event took place at the Woochan Law Building at Seoul National University, attracting over 100 participants, including students from other law schools. The competition was structured around a hypothetical AI startup, with students engaging in negotiations at various stages of investment acquisition. They assumed the role of legal advisors for the startup, negotiating with different types of investors, including angel investors, venture capitalists, private equity firms, and strategic investors from large corporations. Practicing lawyers took on the role of investors. The competition comprised four rounds, covering the startup growth process from the Seed stage to Pre-Series A, Series A, and Pre-IPO. Lawyers from Seum served as mentors for about a month, guiding student teams in contract structuring and negotiation strategies. Attorney Moon Han-kyu, who oversaw the event, noted, "Students found it particularly challenging to identify 'compromise points' during the actual negotiation process." He emphasized that beyond constructing legal arguments, practical skills in reaching realistic agreements between startups and investors were crucial. Recent changes in the startup market were also reflected in the event's theme. Seum explained, "There has been a noticeable increase in legal inquiries related to AI during the startup consultation process." Consequently, this year's event was centered around investment negotiations for AI startups. Interest among law students has reportedly increased compared to previous years. Attorney Moon remarked, "Attendance has grown compared to last year, and discussions with students reveal a heightened interest in the startup legal field." The event featured Jung Ho-seok, the representative attorney of Seum, as the head judge, with support from the Startup Division of the Korean Corporate Counsel Association (KICA) and the Young Entrepreneurs Network Prism Mentorship Club.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 15:52:05
  • Law Firm Gwangjang to Discuss Stock Price Control Prevention Law Strategies
    Law Firm Gwangjang to Discuss Stock Price Control Prevention Law Strategies Law Firm Gwangjang announced on May 14 that it will conduct a lecture on May 22 for KOSDAQ members, focusing on key legal issues affecting corporate management and capital markets, including the mandatory cancellation of treasury stocks and the so-called "stock price control prevention law." The lecture aims to assess corporate management risks arising from recent changes in commercial law and capital market regulations and to share response strategies. It will consist of three sessions: mandatory cancellation of treasury stocks, the stock price control prevention law, and the reform of the delisting system. In the first session, attorney Kim Tae-jung from the M&A group will present on "Mandatory Cancellation of Treasury Stocks Under the Third Amendment to the Commercial Law and Response Strategies." Amid ongoing discussions in political and market circles regarding the use of treasury stocks for maintaining control and defending management rights, he will explain key issues of the amended commercial law and practical response measures from the perspectives of corporate governance and financing. The second session will feature attorney Kim Sang-hoon from the tax group, who will discuss "The Purpose and Impact of the Stock Price Control Prevention Law." This law aims to prevent major shareholders from intentionally keeping corporate stock prices low to reduce inheritance and gift tax burdens, which is part of ongoing discussions regarding amendments to inheritance and gift tax laws. In the political arena, there are ongoing discussions about supplementing tax standards to reflect not only the market price but also net asset values for companies with excessively low price-to-book ratios (PBR). The lecture is expected to focus on how these regulatory changes will impact corporate shareholder return policies and succession strategies. In the final session, advisor Song Young-hoon, who previously served as the deputy head of the KRX's securities market division and the KOSDAQ market division, will present on "Reform of the Delisting System and Key Considerations." He plans to introduce the direction of the delisting system reform and practical application cases from the exchange, as well as outline the response measures that listed companies should be aware of. A representative from Gwangjang stated, "We hope this lecture will help KOSDAQ members effectively respond to legal and regulatory changes and establish a stable management environment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 14:25:58
  • Special Prosecutors Launch Investigation into Presidential Office Relocation Audit
    Special Prosecutors Launch Investigation into Presidential Office Relocation Audit The second comprehensive special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, has begun a formal inquiry into allegations surrounding the relocation of the presidential office and residence during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The investigation focuses on whether there were any illegal activities during the audit conducted by the Board of Audit and Inspection from 2022 to 2024. In a press release on May 14, the special prosecutor's office stated, "We are investigating whether there were any illegalities in the audit process regarding the relocation of the presidential office and residence," adding that they executed search warrants at four locations, including the Board of Audit and Inspection and three residences, starting at 9 a.m. Details regarding the specific targets of the searches or the nature of the allegations remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Following his election, President Yoon Suk Yeol relocated the presidential office to the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan and the presidential residence to the former minister of foreign affairs' residence. Allegations of favoritism and illegalities arose concerning the selection of construction firms and budget execution, prompting the Board of Audit and Inspection to conduct an audit, the results of which were released last year. The Board of Audit and Inspection determined that 21gram, the company overseeing the residence construction, began work before the contract was signed and subcontracted to multiple unqualified firms, violating the Construction Industry Basic Law. However, the core allegations regarding how 21gram was awarded the contract remain unresolved, leading to criticism of a flawed audit. The special prosecutor's office plans to investigate whether the Board of Audit and Inspection failed to adequately examine the circumstances surrounding the awarding of the construction contract and budget execution based on the materials obtained during the searches. Additionally, the special prosecutor's office is looking into potential connections between 21gram and Kim Geon-hee, the spouse of President Yoon. 21gram sponsored exhibitions organized by Kim's company, Kovana Contents, and was also responsible for the design and construction of her office. Allegations of personal connections between Kim and the company's representatives have also surfaced. Reports indicate that 21gram demanded payment for construction costs without objective evidence, and government budget allocations were executed without proper verification or adjustments, following directives from the presidential office. According to the Construction Industry Basic Law, a comprehensive construction license is required for expansion and structural reinforcement work; however, 21gram is only registered as an interior construction company, raising legal concerns over its involvement in the residence expansion project. It has also been confirmed that 21gram received over 1.4 billion won in construction payments before the completion inspection was conducted. The special prosecutor's office is expanding its investigation based on suspicions of illegal budget reallocations during this process. Furthermore, Yoon Jae-soon, the former chief secretary to the president, has been summoned for questioning as a suspect in the abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights. He is accused of being involved in budget reallocations and payment processes during the relocation of the residence. The special prosecutor's office previously questioned Kim O-jin, the former deputy minister of land, infrastructure, and transport, as a suspect and plans to interrogate Kim Dae-ki, the former chief of staff to the president, on May 15. Relevant materials were secured through searches of related departments, including the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. 2026-05-14 12:11:28
  • Prosecutors Seek 1.5-Year Sentence for Businessman in Kim Geon-hee Case
    Prosecutors Seek 1.5-Year Sentence for Businessman in Kim Geon-hee Case The special investigation team led by Prosecutor Min Joong-ki has requested a 1.5-year prison sentence for businessman Seo Seong-bin, who is accused of providing a luxury watch to Kim Geon-hee in exchange for favors related to a robot dog business. The prosecution argues that Seo exploited his friendship with the presidential couple for business gains, while Seo's defense contends that it was merely a purchase on behalf of Kim, with no solicitation involved. During a sentencing hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on May 13, the prosecution sought a 1.5-year sentence for Seo, who is facing charges of violating the anti-bribery law as the CEO of Drone Dome. The prosecution stated, "Seo Seong-bin actively flaunted his connections with Kim Geon-hee and Yoon Suk Yeol, using them for business purposes. The entire operation was predicated on his relationship with the presidential couple." They further argued, "The defendant claims that providing the watch was merely a purchase on behalf of Kim, but this explanation is difficult to accept based on common sense. It is extremely rare for a private businessman to give a luxury watch worth tens of millions of won to the spouse of a public official without any vested interest." The prosecution also noted, "There is no evidence that Kim Geon-hee paid for the watch or intended to do so, making it hard to view this as a simple purchase on behalf of someone else." They believe Seo was aware that his actions could be problematic, citing that the watch's warranty was kept at the residence of Kim's brother-in-law. They argued, "This does not suggest a normal business transaction." Seo was indicted for allegedly handing over a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch valued at 39.9 million won to Kim Geon-hee at a restaurant in Seocho-gu, Seoul, in September 2022. The prosecution claims that Seo pursued a government contract for the robot dog project based on his friendship with Kim and secured a pilot operation contract worth 17 million won with the Presidential Security Service. In his closing argument, Seo's defense stated, "I clearly received a request to buy the watch, and I received 5 million won that day. The remaining payment was to be received later." They added, "It was difficult to demand payment due to the chaotic situation after the coup, and we request a not guilty verdict." Seo also expressed regret in his final statement, saying, "I wonder if there was another way to handle the purchase itself, but I have never solicited or flattered anyone in my life." Kim Geon-hee is also facing allegations of receiving money and valuables in exchange for public office solicitation, alongside Seo and others. A decision regarding Kim is expected on May 15, with sentencing for Seo and others scheduled for June 26.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:33:28