Prosecutors seek one-year prison term for Rep. Kim Ki-hyun
Rep. Kim Ki-hyun of the People Power Party, who was indicted on charges of giving first lady Kim Keon-hee a luxury handbag in return for her support during the party leadership race (violation of the Anti-Graft Act), has had prosecutors seek a one-year prison term. The special prosecution team led by Min Joong-ki made the sentencing request on the 28th at a closing hearing held at Criminal Division 22 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Cho Hyeong-woo).
The special prosecution team noted, "This crime does not amount to a mere private, personal gift," adding that "the background of this case lies in the president and his spouse interfering in the party leadership election and exerting influence to secure the election of a specific candidate." The team went on to point out, "The defendant Kim Ki-hyun rose to the position of leader of the ruling party on the basis of this improper support, and as payment provided Kim Keon-hee with a luxury handbag," calling it "something handed over covertly to repay a political debt."
Rep. Kim took the stand himself to make his defense. He argued that his election as party leader was the result of an effective campaign strategy, not support from former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife. "Thanks to leadership recognized by all — including uncovering the Daejang-dong scandal of then-candidate Lee Jae-myung as opposition floor leader, creating the most crucial momentum for victory in the presidential election — I narrowly won after many hardships," he said.
His attorney argued, "If the bag was in return for support in the leadership race, why were both the gift and the letter made in the spouse's name, with no mention of Kim Ki-hyun?" emphasizing that there was no evidence of joint intent between the couple. In his final statement, Rep. Kim said, "I apologize for causing concern to the people," while stressing, "In over 20 years in politics, I have never once been implicated in corruption."
Rep. Kim's spouse also pleaded innocence. "It is true that a gift was given, but it had nothing to do with the party leadership race and no compensation was sought," he said. "I ask that you take into account that it was done with pure intentions."
The Kim couple is accused of providing first lady Kim Keon-hee with a Roger Vivier clutch bag worth 2.67 million won on March 17, 2023, in return for support in the People Power Party leadership election held on March 8 of that year. Investigators found that while the bag was delivered by the spouse, the payment was made from Rep. Kim's parliamentary aide expense account. The special prosecution team applied charges under the Anti-Graft Act, judging that the couple gave the bag in connection with matters related to the president's duties. The verdict is scheduled to be delivered at 2 p.m. on October 30 at the Seoul Central District Court.
