Supreme Court denied original verdict of 3 years in prison and a fine of $21.2 million (25.2 billion KRW) that was sentenced to Chairman Lee Jae Hyun of CJ Group at trial and returned this case back to Seoul High Court. Chairman Lee once again has an opportunity to prove whether or not he is guilty.
He was indicted and detained in July of 2013 for suspicion of violating laws regarding specific economic crimes and additional punishments. Justice department sentenced him for 4 years in prison and fined him $21.9 million (26 billion KRW) at first trial. However sentenced was reduced to 3 years in prison and a fine of $21.2 million at second trial because justice department turned some of his suspicion to not guilty.
CJ Group gave its opinion that it respects justice department’s judgment.
CJ Group also added that it is fortunate to receive an opportunity to make courts reconsider his sentence as most of his guilt is remanded after reversal.
Staff Reporter Kim, Wonbae | adolfkim@etnews.com