The appeal trial has begun for former Namyang Dairy Products Chairman Hong Won-sik, who was sentenced to three years in prison in the first trial on charges of embezzlement and breach of trust.
The Criminal Division 6-1 of the Seoul High Court (High Court Judges Kim Jong-u, Park Jeong-je, and Min Dal-gi) on the 15th held the first appellate hearing for Hong, the former chairman, who faces charges including violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (breach of trust).
Hong's side said the reasons for the appeal were "mistaken findings of fact regarding the acceptance of a bribe in breach of trust, misinterpretation of the law, and unjust sentencing." Hong's side also said it would give a roughly 40-minute presentation (PT) on the appeal grounds at the next hearing.
Hong is accused of causing 20.1 billion won in losses to the company by privately using a corporate-owned villa and vehicles, or by inserting an intermediary company in transactions.
In the first trial, the court sentenced Hong to three years in prison and ordered the forfeiture of 4.376 billion won. It found him guilty of breach of trust and acceptance of a bribe in breach of trust, but acquitted him of the so-called "inserting an intermediary company" charge. Considering Hong's age and health, the court did not take him into custody in the courtroom.
The court scheduled the next hearing for 4:30 p.m. on the 8th of next month.