▲ Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-kwan, who was involved in the 'NATO necklace' solicitation case, arrives for questioning by the Special Counsel investigating Kim Keon-hee
The suspended prison sentence handed down in the first trial to Lee Bong-kwan, chairman of Seohee Construction, who was indicted on charges of providing expensive jewelry to First Lady Kim Keon-hee in exchange for personnel favors for his eldest son-in-law, has been finalized.
As neither the special counsel nor Chairman Lee filed an appeal by the deadline of July 3, the first trial's sentence of one year in prison, suspended for two years, remains in effect.
Chairman Lee was indicted on charges of providing jewelry worth a total of 103.8 million won to Kim in 2022, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a Tiffany & Co. brooch, and Graff earrings, while soliciting personnel favors for his eldest son-in-law.
The first-trial sentences for robot dog entrepreneur Seo and Pastor Choi Jae-young, who were also indicted for providing valuables to Kim while making various solicitations, were also finalized as neither side appealed.
Seo was indicted on charges of providing a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch worth 39.9 million won to Kim while soliciting business support, while Pastor Choi was indicted for providing items including a Dior bag worth a total of 5.4 million won while soliciting favors related to the duties of public officials.
The first trial sentenced Seo to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, and fined Pastor Choi 8 million won.
Meanwhile, the special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki, which investigated the case, did not appeal against any of the defendants by the July 3 deadline.
Immediately after the first-trial ruling, the special counsel team stated that "an appropriate judgment that aligns with the public's legal sentiment was delivered."
However, First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who was sentenced to seven years in prison, has appealed the ruling, and an appellate trial will proceed.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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