[Anchor]
People Power Party lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon, who was indicted on charges of handing over a luxury bag to Kim Keon-hee as a token of gratitude for support during the party leadership election, has been acquitted in the first trial. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove that lawmaker Kim conspired with his spouse, who received a fine.
Reporter Park Yerim.
[Reporter]
In November of last year, the special counsel team investigating Kim Keon-hee discovered a thank-you letter written by lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon's spouse and a luxury bag during a search and seizure at the private residence of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The special counsel team concluded that the couple provided the 2.67 million won bag as a token of appreciation for former President Yoon's support during the 2023 People Power Party leadership election.
Consequently, the special counsel indicted both individuals on charges of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, stating that the couple conspired to provide prohibited money and valuables to Kim Keon-hee, who was the spouse of a public official.
However, the court in the first trial acquitted lawmaker Kim while sentencing his spouse, identified as A, to a fine of 5 million won.
The court stated, "Spouse A handed the bag to Kim Keon-hee in connection with the comprehensive official duties of former President Yoon, who could influence the party leadership election."
The court also acknowledged that former President Yoon provided assistance in lawmaker Kim's election as party leader.
At the same time, the court stated that it was not sufficiently proven that lawmaker Kim conspired with his spouse.
Although there are suspicious circumstances, such as the payment for the bag coming from lawmaker Kim's salary account, the court acquitted lawmaker Kim on the grounds that there was a lack of objective evidence or testimony, and the possibility remained that the bag was delivered through an employee without the husband's involvement.
Following the sentencing, lawmaker Kim maintained that the item was merely a gift given out of courtesy.
[Kim Gi-hyeon / People Power Party Lawmaker: What kind of illicit solicitation would someone elected as party leader make? As for my wife, it is somewhat difficult to accept the imposition of a fine.]
The special counsel team expressed its intention to appeal, raising questions as to whether it would have been possible for the spouse to give the gift without consulting lawmaker Kim.
(Camera Reporter: Kang Si-woo | Video Editor: Choi Hye-young | Designer: Lee Jong-jung)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.