[Dispatch=Reporter Lee A-Jin] Broadcaster Park Soo-hong lost his lawsuit seeking approximately 9.8 billion won in damages against his older brother and sister-in-law.

The Seoul Western District Court Civil Settlement Division 12 (Presiding Judge Kim Jinyoung) held the first trial ruling on the 13th in Park Soo-hong's damages suit against his older brother Park Mo and sister-in-law Lee Mo. The court ruled against Park Soo-hong.

The court did not recognize a separate profit-sharing agreement claimed by Park Soo-hong's side. It determined that since his entertainment income was attributed to the company, it would be difficult to hold his older brother personally liable for damages.

Park Soo-hong's side claimed that in addition to an agreement in July 2020 to divide the net assets of his older brother, Rael, and Media Boom in a 7-to-3 ratio, there was a separate distribution agreement. He demanded 70% of the two companies' net assets or equivalent shares.

However, the court stated, "Upon reviewing the records, there is no agreement that the plaintiff and defendant claimed," and noted that "the two companies managed Park Soo-hong's entertainment activities, and Park Soo-hong also agreed to receive revenue through the company."

The court also rejected claims of personal fund embezzlement. The court said, "A not guilty verdict has been confirmed in the related criminal trial," and stated, "Some of the funds appear to have been withdrawn by Park Soo-hong's father or used by himself."

In June 2021, Park Soo-hong sued his older brother and sister-in-law for approximately 8.6 billion won in damages, claiming they embezzled appearance fees. Subsequently, upon identifying additional embezzlement circumstances and settlement details, he increased the claim amount to 19.8 billion won. The final amount was adjusted to approximately 9.8 billion won.

Meanwhile, his older brother and sister-in-law were found guilty in a separate criminal trial of embezzling entertainment agency funds. In February, the Supreme Court upheld the original verdict sentencing his older brother to three years and six months in prison and his sister-in-law to one year in prison with two years of probation.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>