An appeals court is set to rule on Kim Keon-hee, the former president's wife, who received a heavy prison term in her first trial over what has been called a modern-day case of selling public office in exchange for jewelry and a gold turtle figurine.
The 15-3 criminal division of the Seoul High Court, presided over by High Court Judge Sung Eon-ju, will deliver the appeals verdict at 2 p.m. on the 22nd for Kim, who was indicted on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes through the brokering of favors, according to legal circles on the 22nd.
Kim was indicted on charges of receiving gifts worth a combined 103.8 million won, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and earrings, from Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-kwan between March 15 and May 20, 2022, in exchange for pushing a personnel appointment for his eldest son-in-law, Park Sung-keun, the former chief of staff to the prime minister. She also faces charges of receiving a gold turtle figurine and a copy of the painting "Sehando," together worth 2.65 million won, from Lee Bae-yong, the former chairman of the National Education Commission, in April and June of that year. In addition, she is accused of receiving a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch worth 33.9 million won from businessman Seo Seong-bin in exchange for supporting his robot dog venture.
In its ruling in June this year, the first-trial court found Kim guilty on all counts and sentenced her to seven years in prison. It also ordered the confiscation of works including a painting by artist Lee Ufan and the forfeiture of 64.8 million won. The special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki had sought a sentence of seven years and six months. "She has repeatedly accepted, without hesitation, gifts from others that ordinary citizens could not obtain even once in their lifetimes," the court said. "Looking at the nature of the favors tied to the gifts she received, the substance of those requests is also extremely serious."
At the final hearing on the 9th of this month, the special counsel asked the court to dismiss Kim's appeal and uphold the seven-year sentence handed down by the lower court. "The shock to our society caused by Kim's crimes and the degree to which the fairness of public office has been damaged go far beyond cases in which a senior official such as a minister accepted similar requests and gifts," the special counsel said.
Kim's side, by contrast, argued for acquittal, saying the evidence presented by the special counsel was insufficient to prove guilt. While acknowledging that she received some of the items, the defense stressed that they were not payment for any favors. "I sincerely apologize for disappointing the people," Kim said in her final statement, pleading her innocence. "I held a position of greater responsibility than anyone and should have been more careful, but I cannot admit to things I did not do." She added: "When my husband became president, I lost everything — my assets and my reputation. I ask the court to at least let me keep my honor, so that my entire life is not defined by something that is not true."
Separately, at 4 p.m. the same day, an appeals verdict will be delivered for Lee Bae-yong, the former National Education Commission chairman, who was indicted on charges of providing Kim with the gold turtle figurine and the "Sehando" copy worth 2.65 million won in exchange for a personnel favor and then instructing a secretary to destroy evidence. The first-trial court sentenced Lee to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.
Chairman Lee Bong-kwan, Seo and a pastor identified by the surname Choi, who were tried alongside Kim on charges of giving her the gifts, have had their sentences finalized because neither the special counsel nor the defendants appealed after the first-trial ruling. Lee Bong-kwan received one year in prison, suspended for two years, and Seo was given 10 months in prison, suspended for two years. Choi was fined 8 million won.
