[Dispatch=Yuha Reporter] Former Samsung Electro-Mechanics advisor Lim Woo-jae appealed for leniency at the appellate trial.

The Seoul High Court Criminal Division 12 (Presiding Judge Kim Moo-shin) held the third appellate hearing on the 28th for Lim Woo-jae and his girlfriend Park, a mudang, among others. Lim Woo-jae is standing trial on charges of obstructing official duties through deception.

Lim Woo-jae's side also requested bail on that day. They argued that the court should take into account that this was his first offense and that his girlfriend testified to the effect that she did not intentionally participate in the crime.

However, the prosecution submitted its opinion to dismiss the appeal. It requested that the first trial's prison sentence be upheld. Lim Woo-jae's side emphasized, "We ask for lenient sentencing."

In his final statement, Lim Woo-jae said, "I am 57 years old this year. I never imagined I would stand in court at this age," and "I have lived my entire life trying not to cause harm to others."

He continued, "I have felt much during my time in prison," and "I have come to realize how precious it is to get through a day without any problems."

He appealed to the court for leniency. "From now on, I will never get involved in such matters," he said, adding, "I want to spend the rest of my life serving others and become someone who contributes to society."

Park, the mudang, reached a settlement with the victim's side during the appellate process. She submitted a handwritten statement of remorse and settlement money. A, the grandson, also submitted a statement declining to press charges from his grandmother, the victim.

Park shed tears, saying, "I have made a mistake that cannot be undone," and "I am sorry for causing shock and pain to the victim. I hope the wounds will heal soon."

The incident occurred in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province in April last year. A was investigated on charges of confining and assaulting his grandmother. Lim Woo-jae is known to have participated in planning the crime.

Lim Woo-jae was sentenced to one year in prison at the first trial. At that time, the court determined, "Although he was aware of his girlfriend's criminal acts, he actively participated in the crime to avoid punishment."

The court also noted, "He has been denying criminal intent up until the trial," and added, "There is doubt as to whether he is genuinely remorseful."

The appellate sentence will be delivered on the 25th of next month.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>