Kim Keon Hee, accused of receiving a Vacheron wristwatch worth 39.9 million won along with an alleged request to support a robot dog business, testified in court that she had never even heard of such a project.
Kim appeared April 24 as a witness at the Seoul Central District Court in the continued trial of robot dog entrepreneur Seo Seong-bin, who is charged with violating South Korea’s anti-graft law. The case was heard by the court’s Criminal Division 21, presided over by Judge Jo Soon-pyo.
Kim is also on trial in a separate proceeding on charges of receiving a bribe in return for influence under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, but the hearings were separated for her testimony that day.
As in previous appearances, Kim entered the courtroom in a black suit and white mask, supported by a corrections officer.
During questioning by Special Prosecutor Min Jung-gi’s team, Kim invoked her right to refuse to testify more than 50 times.
Asked whether she told Seo she needed a watch to wear on overseas trips, and how the watch box and warranty card were found at the home of her brother Kim Jin-woo’s mother-in-law, Kim repeatedly said, “I refuse to testify.”
She also declined to answer more than 10 times during cross-examination. But when Seo’s attorney pressed her to address whether the watch was given in exchange for anything, she responded, at times hesitating and looking toward her lawyer in the gallery.
“I did not receive any request from Seo Seong-bin,” Kim said. “He has a great sense of fashion, so I asked him about that a lot. I have never even heard of a robot dog or anything like that.”
When Seo’s attorney said the special prosecutor saw it differently, Kim replied, “I don’t understand it either. I know nothing about any request. It’s absurd.”
She added that she treated Seo “like a neighborhood uncle” and talked about fashion, saying she did not know what business he was in.
After those answers, Kim again invoked her right to refuse to testify, and questioning ended after about 50 minutes.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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