Supreme Court to Rule on Former Prosecutor Kim Sang-min's 'Kim Keon-hee Nomination Solicitation' Case on July 23

The Supreme Court is set to deliver its final ruling on July 23 regarding former chief prosecutor Kim Sang-min, who was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the second trial for allegedly providing an expensive painting to First Lady Kim Keon-hee in exchange for a request for a political nomination.

The Third Division of the Supreme Court (Justice Lee Heung-gu presiding) has scheduled the sentencing hearing for the former prosecutor's appeal on charges of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act and the Political Funds Act for 11:00 a.m. on July 23.

Former prosecutor Kim was arrested and indicted by a special prosecutor team led by Min Joong-ki in October last year on charges of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. He is accused of purchasing a painting by artist Lee Ufan, titled "From Point No. 800298," worth 140 million won, and delivering it to the First Lady's side around February 2023 to solicit a nomination for the April 10 general election in 2024.

He also faces charges of violating the Political Funds Act for allegedly receiving 42 million won in illegal donations from a businessman surnamed Kim under the guise of rental fees and insurance premiums for a campaign vehicle while preparing for his own general election bid.

The first trial court found him guilty only of violating the Political Funds Act, citing the possibility that the painting in question may not have been delivered to the First Lady. The court sentenced him to six months in prison, suspended for one year, and ordered a forfeiture of approximately 40 million won.

However, the second trial court overturned the first ruling, finding him guilty of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act as well.

The appellate court accepted the credibility of the testimony provided by an art dealer, who stated that they heard from the former prosecutor that "First Lady Kim was very pleased to receive the painting."

The second trial sentenced him to two years in prison, suspended for three years, for the violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, and one year in prison, suspended for three years, for the violation of the Political Funds Act, while also ordering a forfeiture of approximately 40 million won.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.