[Exclusive] Im Seong-Eon's husband, 1st trial for 10 billion won embezzlement... Sentencing on August 18

Just nine days after marrying actress Im Seong-Eon (41), her husband, Mr. Lee (55), finds himself at the center of controversy, facing charges of embezzlement amounting to over 10 billion won. The first trial's verdict is scheduled for this coming August.

Sources reveal that Mr. Lee, who managed a housing business agency involved in the Osong Station Area Urban Development Project in Chungbuk, was indicted without detention in 2022 for allegedly diverting 10 billion won of association fees in 2020. He faces charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (Embezzlement), with the first trial's verdict to be announced on August 18 at the Cheongju District Court.

In a phone interview with the SBS Entertainment News team, Mr. Lee confirmed the trial date of August 18, stating, "It's true that the trial is scheduled for that day." However, he emphasized, "I will be arguing my innocence in that trial, which pertains to personal matters and has nothing to do with real estate," expressing his desire to avoid further controversy.

Mr. Lee also expressed strong dissatisfaction with Dispatch, the media outlet that first reported on his past fraud convictions and alleged involvement in housing business corruption just nine days after his wedding to Im Seong-Eon. "They claim I embezzled 10 billion, 20 billion won, but construction is actually underway there. The report is clearly inaccurate," he said, accusing the coverage of being a malicious attack aimed at tormenting his wife, an actress.

Previously, Dispatch reported that Mr. Lee, who recently married Im Seong-Eon, had been married twice before and had three prior convictions for fraud, raising suspicions of his involvement in a massive fraud case.

In response, Mr. Lee, through his legal representative, stated, "Most of the content in the articles about the fraud allegations is not true. The articles contain unverified facts, violate current laws, and we are considering and proceeding with strong legal actions, both civil and criminal."

Moreover, addressing rumors about being banned from leaving the country, which led to speculation about their honeymoon destination being Jeju Island, Mr. Lee clarified, "I am not banned from leaving the country. We are traveling domestically due to our busy schedules, and we have already booked our tickets for a trip to Europe," emphasizing there are no issues with his departure.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)