Fraud suspect returns to Korea

Park Byung-Il, a lawyer who was tried without detention on charges of fraud but escaped to the United States last May on the eve of the Supreme Court of Korea final decision, returned on his own to Korea on Sunday. He surrendered to police and was imprisoned immediately.

According to the Seoul District Public Prosecutor`s Office, Park returned through Kimpo International Airport. He was arrested at the airport and imprisoned at Sungdong Detention House.

Prosecutors said Park had been tried without detention, and therefore his overseas travel is considered to be a legitimate action.

Since his departure May 29, the Prosecutor`s Office has kept track of Park through Interpol, confirming his stay in the United States. According to authorities, prosecutors called Park and asked him to voluntarily return to Korea.

Shin Suk-Ho kyle@donga.com