The Supreme Court will pass its ruling on main opposition Liberty Korea Party Chairman Hong Joon-pyo’s alleged corruption case on Friday.

Hong allegedly took 100 million won ($92,000) from the late Sung Wan-jong, who headed the construction firm Kyungnam Corp., ahead of the defunct Saenuri Party’s leadership election in 2011. 


Hong was initially found guilty, but the appeals court overturned the decision, judging that some of the testimonies against him were inconsistent and lacked credibility.

Sung committed suicide in 2015 after revealing that he handed over hefty sums to heavyweight politicians including Hong. In addition, a list was found on Sung’s body, which included Hong’s name alongside the figure of 100 million won.

A former Kyungnam Group executive identified by the surname Yoon also testified that he delivered the money to Hong. The prosecution also secured an audio file in which Sung’s voice states that Hong was given the money.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)