Selected Cases
Strategic Defense in Special Prosecutor Investigation Involving Alleged Bribery
Overview
In a Special Prosecutor investigation related to the “First Lady Kim Keon-hee Special Counsel Act,” a construction company CEO was investigated on allegations of providing bribes to a public official.
Because the amended Special Prosecutor Act introduced new plea bargaining provisions, the case involved critical issues concerning the CEO’s criminal liability and the company’s broader risk management.
Key Defense Strategies by One Law Partners, LLC
• Clear Distinction Between Admission and Defense Points
One Law Partners, LLC carefully separated the allegations into:
- Facts to be admitted to establish credibility and cooperation with investigators; and
- Facts requiring defense, addressed through meticulous factual and legal analysis.
All statements, submissions, and interactions with investigators were thoroughly rehearsed and analyzed to minimize legal risks.
The defense also prioritized protecting the company’s reputation, recognizing that investigative proceedings could affect business credibility.
Outcome
- No‑charges decision (무혐의) on the bribery allegation
- Suspension of indictment (기소유예) for remaining issues
The result effectively eliminated the CEO’s criminal risk and safeguarded the company’s reputation.
Significance
This case demonstrates the importance of strategically combining selective admission, targeted defense, and effective use of newly introduced plea bargaining mechanisms in Special Prosecutor investigations.
It serves as a meaningful precedent in managing criminal exposure for corporations and executives facing high‑profile investigations.
