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Former Shinhan Card CEO Wi Sung-ho and Prosecution Both Appeal in Hiring Irregularity Case

[비즈한국] It has been confirmed that both former Shinhan Card CEO Wi Sung-ho, who is accused of hiring irregularities, and the prosecution have filed appeals. In the first trial, Wi was sentenced to 10 months in prison suspended for two years—a lighter sentence than the two years requested by the prosecution. With both sides appealing, Wi’s sentence could either be increased or reduced.

Former CEO Wi Sung-ho is accused of involvement in illicit hiring practices by accepting requests from acquaintances during his tenure at Shinhan Card. It is alleged that upon the instructions of Wi and former Shinhan Card Vice President Lee Ki-bong, human resources staff allowed applicants who did not meet the criteria for the document screening process to pass and manipulated interview scores. In August, the first-instance court sentenced Wi to 10 months in prison suspended for two years, and Lee to 6 months in prison suspended for two years.

During the first trial, the prosecution had requested a two-year prison term for Wi Sung-ho and a one-year prison term for Lee Ki-bong. The court explained that its sentencing decision considered the fact that the four applicants whose hiring process was influenced by Wi and others were ultimately not hired.

Bizhankook’s investigation revealed that both Wi Sung-ho and Lee Ki-bong, as well as the prosecution, have filed appeals. In the first trial, Wi had appointed the law firm Lee & Ko, while Lee had appointed the law firm Yulu as his defense counsel. Lee has retained Yulu for his second trial as well.

On the other hand, there has been no word yet on the appointment of legal counsel for Wi Sung-ho. On September 16, the court sent a notice regarding the appointment of a public defender to Wi. This is part of the procedure to inform defendants or suspects without legal representation of the facts and to guide them through the process of having the court appoint a public defender or allowing them to apply for one themselves.

Neither Wi Sung-ho nor Lee Ki-bong currently holds a position at Shinhan Card. Shinhan Card has not released an official statement regarding Wi’s trial.

Wi Sung-ho served as the CEO of Shinhan Card from August 2013 to March 2017 and as the CEO of Shinhan Bank from March 2017 to March 2019. He later served as the Vice Chairman of Heungkuk Life Insurance and currently serves as an outside director and a member of the audit committee at GS Global001250.