Alphabiz - Prosecutors Seek 5-Year Sentence in Appeal of Former Hyundai AutoEver CEO Bribery Case

Seo Jung-sik, former CEO of Hyundai AutoEver. (Photo=Hyundai AutoEver)

[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] SEOUL, April 9, 2026 — Prosecutors have requested a five-year prison sentence in the appellate trial of Seo Jung-sik, who is accused of accepting kickbacks worth hundreds of millions of won from subcontractors, as the court concluded arguments in a single hearing.

The Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 3 held the first — and final — appellate hearing on April 9, closing arguments on the same day. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on April 30.

During the hearing, prosecutors argued that the lower court erred in both fact-finding and legal interpretation, urging the court to impose the same sentence sought in the first trial: five years in prison and forfeiture of approximately 859 million won.

Seo, in his final statement, expressed remorse, saying he “reflects on inappropriate aspects” of his conduct, but denied receiving illicit payments in exchange for favors or engaging in wrongdoing as alleged.

An individual identified as “A,” who was also indicted on charges of soliciting favors from Seo, described him as a business mentor and denied any improper intent, while acknowledging a lack of caution regarding potential conflicts of interest.

The case is linked to allegations surrounding the acquisition of a cloud computing firm formerly known as Spark & Associates (now Open Cloud Lab), in which KT Cloud allegedly purchased a 100% stake at an inflated price. The deal has been scrutinized for possible connections to prior transactions involving affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group and parties linked to former KT leadership.

Prosecutors have also accused Seo of receiving approximately 780 million won in illegal benefits from subcontractors during his tenure at Hyundai AutoEver and Hyundai Motor.

In the first trial, however, the court acquitted Seo, stating that most of the prosecution’s evidence lacked admissibility and that the remaining evidence was insufficient to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The court also acquitted Hyundai AutoEver as a corporate entity and executives of related subcontractors.

The upcoming ruling is expected to draw attention as a key test of evidentiary standards and accountability in corporate bribery cases involving major South Korean conglomerates.

Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)