Prosecutors seek one-year sentence for former Supreme Court Justice Kwon Soon-il over Hwacheon Daeyu lobbying

The prosecution has requested a one-year prison sentence for Kwon Soon-il, a former Justice of the Supreme Court, who stands accused of violating the Attorneys-at-Law Act by allegedly acting as a lobbyist for Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management without proper registration. Prosecutors argued that Kwon, despite his esteemed position, engaged in illegal activities by receiving substantial fees for legal consultations while unregistered. They emphasized his continued denial of wrongdoing and lack of remorse as aggravating factors in their sentencing recommendation.

During the trial, Kwon's defense team mounted a strong challenge against the prosecution's case, asserting that the investigation and subsequent indictment were based on unlawful procedures. They contended that the case was improperly transferred from the police to the prosecution, rendering the entire legal process void. The defense argued for dismissal of the charges, citing procedural irregularities and asserting Kwon's factual innocence.

In his final statement, Kwon Soon-il, who also served as the chairman of the Central Election Commission, expressed deep regret and criticized the prosecution's investigative tactics. He stated that his experience had shown him that "crimes are made by the prosecution," questioning the legitimacy of their methods. Kwon conveyed his profound disappointment and sense of responsibility as a former high-ranking judicial official, acknowledging the crisis facing the judiciary and expressing his sorrow to the public and the legal community. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on June 11.