A former head of Lotte Shopping, the country's largest department store chain, was sentenced to two years in prison by a Seoul court on Friday for receiving kickback from suppliers. 

Shin, who headed television-based retailer Lotte Homeshopping Co. from 2008 to early 2012, resigned from the post of chief executive of Lotte Shopping in April.

The Seoul Central District Court convicted Shin of taking the cash and expensive paintings worth 133 million won (US$119,000) from companies selling their products on the retailer's cable network.

Shin was also found guilty of embezzling company funds worth more than 300 million won by colluding with the company's executives.

The industry has long been dogged by criticism for its kickback-taking culture. Manufacturers and suppliers often vie to secure prime-time spots because sales can differ greatly depending on the time of day the merchandise is shown. (Yonhap)