Lawyer quizzed in corruption scandal

A prosecutor-turned-lawyer was summoned Friday for questioning over suspicions that he peddled influence in the legal circles for his clients and evaded taxes, amid the widening probe into a high-profile corruption scandal.

Hong Man-pyo, 56, is suspected of having used his connections in the judiciary to seek a lenient ruling for Jung Woon-ho, CEO of local cosmetics company Nature Republic, over his overseas gambling charges.

“I will take responsibility for what I did, and will cooperate with investigators to help quickly wrap up the probe,” he told reporters before entering the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office in southern Seoul. “All suspicions will be significantly cleared during the questioning.”

He partially admitted to the charges of tax evasion, but argued that he never exerted influence on the judiciary as a former prosecutor. “I am devastated that I am to be investigated at my former workplace. I am speechless.”

Later in the day, the prosecutors indicted judge-turned-lawyer Choi You-jeong on charges of taking advantage of her status as a former judge to seek a favorable ruling for Jung. In return, she is suspected of having received 5 billion won ($4.2 million) in attorney fees.

Jung was indicted last October on charges of illegal gambling from 2012 to 2014 overseas including in Macau and the Philippines. The lower court handed down a one-year prison term, but the appeals court reduced it to eight months.

Prosecutors also suspect Hong of laundering income to evade taxes through his real estate agency that owns property worth 10 billion won. Hong also allegedly worked for other high-profile business tycoons such as former STX chairman Kang Deok-soo without filing a report, in violation of the attorneys-at-law act.

Investigators are considering arranging a cross-examination of Hong and Jung’s suspected broker Lee Min-hee. Lee reportedly introduced Hong to the Nature Republic CEO and bribed public officials over a contract to open the brand’s stores at subway stations.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldorp.com)