YG Entertainment's general producer, Yang Hyun Suk, is back in the spotlight as he faces charges of illegally importing a luxury watch worth over 700 million KRW into South Korea.
During his second trial on January 10th, Yang denied the accusations once again, with his defense team claiming that receiving such gifts is common in the entertainment industry.
The 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court, led by Judge Bae Seong Jung, held the trial to address Yang's violation of the Specific Crimes Aggravated Punishment Act (Customs Act).
When asked about the details of when and where he received the watch, Yang’s lawyer stated, "I don't remember clearly, so I can’t specify." The lawyer also stressed that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.
Yang's defense team went on to argue that there was no solid evidence to prove that Yang wore the watch when passing through the airport, adding that the watch was given to him in Singapore, with no connection to the claim it was worn there.
They maintained that YG Entertainment staff were involved and confirmed that there should be no issue with bringing the watch into South Korea.
However, the prosecution insists that Yang requested the luxury watch from Mr. A, the Asia representative of the Swiss brand "R".
Text messages presented by the prosecution show that Yang reached out to Mr. A in August 2014, asking for the watch to be prepared ahead of his trip to Singapore, which he took from September 12-16, 2014.
Yang’s lawyer defended the practice, saying, "It’s common in the entertainment industry for recipients to receive gifts without formal documentation." They also argued that, in sponsorship cases, such actions should not be viewed as a violation of the Customs Act.
Yang’s defense team further disputed the prosecution’s claim that the watch’s value exceeded 200 million KRW, stating that the standards for pricing were unclear.
The luxury watch in question is a rare skull-patterned model from "R", worth an eye-watering 711.51 million KRW, with its cost price at 20.81 million KRW. Another black model, received at a hotel, is valued at 116.55 million KRW. Both models were discontinued a decade ago and are no longer available for sale.
Under the Customs Act, all goods imported into South Korea must be declared, and failure to do so can result in a fine or imprisonment. If the goods are valued between 200 million KRW and 500 million KRW, aggravated penalties apply.
Yang is accused of bringing these two luxury watches, worth a total of 828.06 million KRW, into South Korea without declaring them at Incheon International Airport in September 2014. The Busan District Prosecutor's Office indicted him last September, and his next trial is set for April 18.
Will Yang Hyun Suk be found guilty, or is this just another misunderstanding? Netizens are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this legal drama!
Source[1]
