Court Demands Detailed Explanation from Park Soo-hong's Brother and Sister-in-Law Regarding Asset Accumulation

The Seoul High Court has requested a comprehensive account from Park Soo-hong's brother, Park Mo, and his sister-in-law, Lee Mo, who are facing charges of embezzling the broadcaster's earnings. During the sixth hearing of their appeal on June 13, the court focused on the significant disparity in asset accumulation between the couple and Park Soo-hong. The judges noted that aside from a 50% stake in a commercial property in Magok, Park Soo-hong has not shown substantial real estate acquisitions or increases in financial assets. In contrast, the couple has acquired four properties, repaid existing debts, and increased their financial assets through various insurance policies. The court requested a detailed comparison of the financial statuses of both parties, emphasizing that Park Soo-hong's income primarily stemmed from his entertainment activities.

Park Mo is accused of misappropriating tens of billions of won from his brother's management funds between 2011 and 2021. While the first trial found him guilty of embezzling 2 billion won of company funds, it acquitted him of charges related to 1.6 billion won taken from his brother's personal account, resulting in a two-year prison sentence. Lee Mo, who was also charged for her involvement, was acquitted. Both parties have appealed the verdicts.

In court, Park Soo-hong expressed his devastation, stating, 'While my ignorance was a mistake, the reality was horrifying. Despite my earnings being 100% mine, my brother received a higher salary, and all assets were under his and his wife's names.' He revealed that he was left with only 33.8 million won in his bank account and had to cancel his insurance due to an inability to pay his rent deposit.

During the latest hearing, the couple acknowledged the embezzlement of 2 billion won from company funds as ruled in the first trial, but the issue regarding the 1.6 billion won withdrawn from Park Soo-hong's personal account remains contentious. The court has requested further clarification on how the cash profits were distributed to Park Soo-hong. The next hearing in the appeal case is scheduled for August 20.