[Dispatch=Reporter Lee A-Jin] Yuk Mo, the mother of singer Jang Yun-jeong (70), admitted to embezzling tens of millions of won from an acquaintance. Prosecutors sought a sentence of one year and six months imprisonment.

Seoul Eastern District Court's Criminal Division 2 held the first trial date for Yuk Mo's fraud charges on the 27th. Prosecutors requested that the court sentence her to one year and six months imprisonment.

Yuk Mo is accused of embezzling a total of 31 million won from an acquaintance over three separate occasions from September 2024 to August of last year. She demanded money under the pretext of investment while mentioning her daughter, the famous singer Jang Yun-jeong.

Prosecutors stated, "Despite having a prior conviction for fraud using similar methods, she has committed the crime again," and pointed out that "the amount of damage is substantial and the damage has not been recovered."

Yuk Mo was also arrested on fraud charges in 2018. At that time, she was accused of failing to repay approximately 400 million won that she had borrowed from an acquaintance.

Yuk Mo's side acknowledged all the charges on the day. However, regarding the background of the crime, they appealed for leniency, saying, "I needed living expenses and credit card payments," and that "the embezzled money was also used for living expenses."

The court reviewed the statement transcripts submitted on the day. It noted that "it does not appear that Yuk Mo was cooperative with the investigation." In fact, police were unable to locate Yuk Mo for some time.

Songpa Police Station tracked Yuk Mo's whereabouts after receiving the complaint. However, the investigation faced difficulties due to lack of mobile phone and credit card usage records. Only in mid-last month was her location identified and she was arrested.

Meanwhile, Yuk Mo's sentencing date was set for the 10th of next month.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>