Prosecutors appealed the acquittal of Sampyo Group Chairman Jeong Do-won in the first trial over the collapse at the Yangju quarry that occurred right after the Serious Accidents Punishment Act took effect.
The Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office said on the 13th that it filed an appeal against the first-trial acquittal of Chairman Jeong, who was indicted on charges of violating the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
During the trial, prosecutors sought a four-year prison term, saying Jeong received reports on overall group management and gave instructions on key matters, and thus falls under a responsible management official under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act. A prosecution official said the appeal was filed due to misapprehension of facts, misinterpretation of law, and unfair sentencing.
Earlier, on the 10th, the Uijeongbu District Court acquitted Chairman Jeong, saying, "It is difficult to see the defendant as a responsible management official under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act." Former Sampyo Industry CEO Lee Jong-shin, who was indicted alongside Jeong, was also acquitted.
However, the corporate entity Sampyo Industry was found guilty on some counts of violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act and was fined 1 billion won, the head office safety officer received a suspended prison sentence, and three officials at the Yangju worksite each received suspended sentences of imprisonment.
The case began with indictments on charges of failing to fulfill safety obligations in connection with the Jan. 29, 2022 accident at the Sampyo Industry Yangju worksite, where three workers who were on the job were buried by earth and sand and died.