Prosecutors in South Korea are seeking a one-year prison sentence for Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the ruling People Power Party, who is accused of providing a luxury bag to Kim Gun-hee shortly after the party's leadership election in 2023.
During a hearing on September 28 at the Seoul Central District Court, the Special Prosecutor's Office requested a one-year sentence for Kim and six months for his accomplice, identified only as Lee. The prosecutors also sought the confiscation of the Roger Vivier clutch bag, valued at approximately 2.67 million won.
In their closing arguments, prosecutors stated, "This case is not merely about giving a personal gift. Considering the political relationship formed between the defendants, President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Kim Gun-hee, as well as the timing of the gift, it should be viewed as an act intertwined with power dynamics and job-related implications."
They emphasized that President Yoon and his spouse's involvement in the party leadership election and their influence on specific candidates were central to the case. They argued that Kim Ki-hyun rose to the position of party leader based on this improper support and secretly provided the luxury bag to Kim Gun-hee as a form of repayment for political favors.
Prosecutors also criticized the defendants' behavior, stating, "Instead of showing remorse after the crime, they have been focused on protecting themselves, evading responsibility, and concealing the truth. The crime has severely undermined public trust in the independence of public service and political parties."
In contrast, Kim's defense team denied the allegations, asserting that there was no motive for reciprocation or any collusion regarding the support from the former president and his spouse.
During the final arguments, Kim's lawyer questioned, "If this was a reciprocation for election support, why was Kim's name absent from the gift and letter, which were only in the name of his spouse?" They argued that the discrepancy between the gift giver and the recipient indicates a lack of quid pro quo or mutual agreement between the couple.
The defense also contended that the party leadership election does not fall under the president's official duties as defined by law, and there are no direct penalties for the spouses of public officials under the anti-corruption law. They strongly requested a verdict of not guilty and dismissal of the charges.
Kim Ki-hyun stated in his closing remarks, "I was elected party leader after being recognized for my leadership in uncovering issues like the Daejang-dong scandal, not because of support from President Yoon and his spouse. The act of my wife giving the clutch bag has no connection to the president's duties or the election of the party leader."
Lee also stated in her final remarks, "The gift was given purely out of social courtesy between spouses after my husband became party leader, and I did not expect any return for it."
Kim and his spouse were indicted for allegedly providing the Roger Vivier clutch bag worth 2.67 million won in exchange for support from the Yoon administration during the party leadership election in March 2023.
The special prosecutor's team discovered the clutch bag and a letter from Lee during a search of President Yoon's residence. The letter reportedly contained a message of gratitude to the president and his spouse. Additionally, it was revealed that 2.67 million won was charged to Kim's official account.
Kim Gun-hee, who previously testified as a witness, acknowledged receiving the bag but stated she could not recall the specific circumstances of the exchange. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on October 30.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.