The special counsel in the Kim Keon-hee probe sought seven years and six months in prison for first lady Kim Keon-hee, who has been indicted on charges of receiving expensive valuables along with personnel solicitation.
On the 15th, at a sentencing hearing before the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21 (Presiding Judge Cho Soon-pyo), the special counsel asked the court to sentence Kim to seven years and six months in prison and a forfeiture of 56.3 million won on charges of bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. The special counsel also sought the confiscation of items Kim was found to have received, including a painting by artist Lee Ufan, a gold turtle, a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, and a Dior bag.
The special counsel said, "Kim, as the spouse of the president and in a position close to the president, used that influence as a means for private interest transactions." The special counsel added, "Kim committed corruption rarely seen in constitutional history, yet denies the crime, saying the items were merely gifts based on simple acquaintance."
Kim was indicted on charges of receiving jewelry worth a total of 103.8 million won, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a Tiffany & Co. brooch, and Graff earrings, from Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-gwan between March and May 2022 along with personnel solicitation for his eldest son-in-law. Bribery for influence peddling refers to the crime of receiving money or benefits under the pretext of arranging a solicitation related to a public official's duties.
Kim also faced additional charges of receiving other valuables. The special counsel believes that in April 2022, Kim received a gold turtle worth 2.65 million won along with a request for appointment from former National Education Commission Chairperson Lee Bae-yong, and in September of the same year, received a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch worth 39 million won along with a request for business support from robot dog entrepreneur Seo Seong-bin.
Kim is also charged with receiving a Dior bag and other items worth a total of 5.4 million won from Pastor Choi Jae-young between June and September 2022 along with a solicitation related to a public official's duties. In Feb. 2023, it was found that she received a painting by artist Lee Ufan worth 1.4 billion won from former senior prosecutor Kim Sang-min along with a nomination solicitation.
Earlier, the special counsel sought one year in prison for Chairman Lee Bong-gwan, who was also indicted on charges of providing valuables to Kim. For Seo Seong-bin, who faces the same charges, the special counsel asked for one year and six months, and for Pastor Choi Jae-young, four months.
The verdict on Kim's bribery for influence peddling charge will be delivered on the 26th of next month.