© Reuters.
SEOUL – In a landmark ruling today, the Seoul Western District Court sentenced Hana Financial Group’s Chairman Ham Young-joo to six months’ imprisonment and two years’ probation. The court also imposed an undisclosed fine on Ham for manipulating hiring practices at Hana Bank, favoring certain candidates and enforcing a gender-biased hiring ratio.
Ham, who previously served as CEO of Hana Bank following its merger with Korea Exchange Bank, was found to have used his influence to skew recruitment outcomes based on gender preferences and personal connections. He maintained a one-to-four male-dominated hiring ratio and went as far as rigging applicant evaluations to benefit an acquaintance’s relative during his tenure from 2015 to 2019.
The case against Ham has been ongoing since 2018, with today’s sentence overturning an earlier acquittal. Ham ascended to the role of chairman of Hana Financial Group in May 2022 after serving as vice chairman since 2016. Under his leadership, the bank underwent significant structural changes.
In a related development, the appeals court upheld the prior conviction of former Hana Bank vice chairman Jang Ki-yong, who was indicted alongside Ham, affirming the judicial system’s stance against unethical recruitment practices within the financial sector. This decision underscores a commitment to integrity and fairness in corporate governance and hiring processes.
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