The special counsel investigating Kim Keon-hee summoned Kim's older brother, Kim Jin-woo, on the 19th in connection with the "painting delivery allegation."
In a notice to the press that day, the special counsel said, "We are questioning Kim Jin-woo, whom we summoned this morning (19th)."
The painting delivery allegation is that former prosecutor Kim Sang-min in January 2023 bought painter Lee Ufan's work "From Point No.800298" in cash for around the 100 million won range, handed it to Kim's older brother, Kim Jin-woo, then asked for a nomination in last year's 22nd general election and was appointed as a legal adviser to the National Intelligence Service.
Earlier, at the end of Jul., the special counsel searched Kim Jin-woo's home and found this painting. The painting was reportedly purchased by a Korean surnamed Lee at a Taiwan auction in Jun. 2022 for about 30 million won and brought into Korea. After changing hands several times, the price of the painting jumped into the 100 million won range.
It was reported that the special counsel grasped circumstances indicating that the former prosecutor bought the painting in Jan. 2023 for about 140 million won. At the time, the former prosecutor was serving as chief of Public Trial Division 2 at the Supreme Public Prosecutors' Office. The former prosecutor is said to have delivered the painting to Kim Jin-woo.
Meanwhile, Presiding Judge for warrants Park Jeong-ho of the Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant at around 1:52 a.m. on the 18th for the former prosecutor, who is accused of violating the Political Funds Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, saying there is a concern about evidence destruction.
By contrast, the former prosecutor reportedly argued that he only purchased the painting on behalf of Kim's older brother at his request and did not give it as a gift. He also reportedly said that a nomination or personnel matter at the National Intelligence Service is not related to Kim's official duties, so it cannot constitute a violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.