The Seoul Metropolitan Prosecutors' Office has decided not to appeal to the Supreme Court regarding Chung Eui-yong, former Cheong Wa Dae National Security Office Director; Suh Hoon, former National Intelligence Service Director; and Kim Yeon-chul, former Unification Minister, who were defendants in the appellate ruling on the forced repatriation of North Korean fishermen.

The Seoul Metropolitan Prosecutors' Office stated, "After closely reviewing the possibility of the Supreme Court accepting an appeal regarding the dismissal of the prosecution's appeal against the not-guilty verdicts of former Director Chung, former Director Suh, and former Minister Kim, we have decided not to file an appeal."

However, regarding former Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min, who was also indicted and acquitted, the office stated it will file an appeal citing misinterpretation of the legal principles concerning joint principal liability.

On October 21, the appellate court sentenced former Director Chung and former Director Suh to one year and six months in prison with three years of probation each, while sentencing former Minister Kim to one year in prison with two years of probation.

As for former Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min, the court upheld his acquittal, stating that it is difficult to view him as having conspired in the abuse of power or as having been involved in the decision to repatriate the fishermen.

(Photo: Yonhap News)