Prosecutors Appeal Kim Ki-hyun's Acquittal in Luxury Bag Case

The case against Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party accused of providing a luxury bag to Kim Geon-hee in exchange for support in the party leadership election, is heading to an appeals court. The special investigation team led by Prosecutor Min Joong-ki is contesting the first trial's ruling that found insufficient evidence of collusion, while Kim's spouse has also filed an appeal against the imposed fine.

According to legal sources on November 5, the special investigation team submitted an appeal to the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22 (Judge Jo Hyung-woo) on the same day. The appeal cites factual misinterpretation and legal misunderstanding regarding Kim's alleged collusion, while Kim's spouse, identified as Lee, filed an appeal the previous day, arguing against the severity of the sentence.

In a ruling on October 30, the court acquitted Kim of violating the Anti-Corruption Act, while it imposed a fine of 5 million won on Lee for the same charge. The court also ordered the confiscation of the seized Roger Vivier clutch bag. During the trial, prosecutors had sought a one-year prison sentence for Kim and six months for Lee.

The couple was indicted for allegedly providing a clutch bag worth approximately 2.67 million won to Kim Geon-hee around March 17, 2023, as a reward for support from former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his spouse during the People Power Party leadership election.

The first trial determined that the provision of the bag was related to the president's official duties, noting that former President Yoon held a position of influence over the selection of the party leader and had indeed exercised that influence to aid Kim's election. The court concluded that the value of the bag made it unlikely to be considered a mere social gift.

However, the court found insufficient evidence to prove that Kim was involved in the discussions or delivery of the bag. While the payment for the bag was made from an account in Kim's name and a sticky note labeled 'Kim Ki-hyun, People Power Party Leader' was found, the court stated that there was a lack of objective evidence to confirm collusion.

The court noted that the account was effectively managed independently by Lee and that it was unclear who affixed the sticky note and for what purpose. It could not be ruled out that Lee delivered the bag through staff or associates without Kim's involvement, making it difficult to conclude that they acted together solely based on their marital relationship.

Following the ruling, the special investigation team expressed skepticism about the court's finding that a luxury bag was gifted to the president's spouse without consulting the party leader. Kim expressed gratitude for his acquittal but stated he found it difficult to accept the fine imposed on his spouse.