Environment group chief convicted of bribery charge

The president of Korea Green Foundation was slapped with a fine and prison sentence for taking bribes in an appeal but was not put under court custody.

In the ruling by the Seoul High Court, Choi Yul was found guilty for receiving 130 million won ($110,560) in bribes for helping a real estate firm with a redevelopment project.

Choi received a harsher sentence than the first ruling and received a year imprisonment with a 130 million won fine.

According to court officials, Choi had claimed that the 130 million won was a personal loan borrowed without interest from Oh.

“Oh does not have the capital or close enough ties with Choi to give him a no-interest loan,” said court officials in response.

The court added that the funds are seen as a bribe for Choi helping the company enter into the environmentally friendly development project. Choi received 70 million won for setting up a meeting between the company representatives and the governor of Gyeonggi Province, and another 60 million won when the deal went through, court officials said.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)