The special prosecutor's team, led by Min Jung-ki, has requested a prison sentence of 7 years and 6 months for Kim Geon-hee, who is accused of receiving expensive gifts in exchange for favors related to personnel and business dealings. The special prosecutor characterized Kim's actions as a form of corruption exploiting her status as the spouse of the president, emphasizing the need for severe punishment.
During a hearing on May 15 at the Seoul Central District Court, the special prosecutor's team requested the court impose a sentence of 7 years and 6 months along with a fine of 56.36 million won. They also sought the confiscation of luxury items, including a painting by Lee U-hwan, a gold turtle, a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, and a Dior bag, which were reportedly received by Kim.
The special prosecutor stated, "The spouse of the president is expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and restraint. Kim has repeatedly exploited her influence as the president's spouse to engage in private transactions for personal gain." They further asserted that she effectively reduced the state's public authority and influence to mere commodities, committing acts of corruption rarely seen in constitutional history, yet she continues to deny the allegations, claiming they were merely gifts from acquaintances. They stressed that "severe punishment is unavoidable."
Kim, dressed in a black suit, appeared in court with a stern expression, keeping her head down throughout the proceedings. When asked by the special prosecutor about her wearing jewelry received from Lee Bong-kwan, the chairman of Seohui Construction, she largely declined to answer.
Kim stated, "I have been taking psychiatric medication for a long time, and there are many parts I do not remember due to my health issues. I will exercise my right to refuse to testify, as I might provide incorrect information."
She has been indicted for allegedly receiving luxury items worth approximately 100 million won, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and a Tiffany & Co. brooch, from Lee Bong-kwan between March and May 2022 in exchange for personnel favors for her son-in-law, Park Seong-geun, who was the former chief of staff to the prime minister.
The special prosecutor also reported that Kim received a gold turtle worth 2.65 million won from Lee Bae-yong, the former chair of the National Education Commission, in April 2022 in exchange for a request for an appointment. In September of the same year, she allegedly received a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch valued at 39.9 million won from robot dog entrepreneur Seo Seong-bin in return for business support.
Additionally, between June and September 2022, she is accused of receiving gifts worth 5.4 million won, including a Dior bag, from Pastor Choi Jae-young in connection with public service duties, and in February 2023, she allegedly received a painting by Lee U-hwan valued at 140 million won in exchange for a request for nomination from former chief prosecutor Kim Sang-min.
In contrast, Kim's defense team maintains that most of the gifts were simple presents without any expectation of return or were merely for purchasing on her behalf. They argued that the Van Cleef & Arpels necklace was a congratulatory gift for her election and inauguration, the gold turtle was a token of gratitude, and the wristwatch was simply a purchase on her behalf. They also claimed that there was no evidence that Kim received the painting by Lee U-hwan.
Previously, the special prosecutor sought prison sentences of 1 year for Lee Bong-kwan, 1 year for Lee Bae-yong, 1 year and 6 months for Seo Seong-bin, and 4 months for Pastor Choi Jae-young, who were also indicted in the case.
The court is scheduled to hold a sentencing hearing for Kim on June 26.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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