Businessman Who Illegally Donated to Ex-Prosecutor Kim Sang-min Ahead of General Election Fined 10 Million Won in Appeal

A businessman surnamed Kim, who was indicted on charges of paying approximately 42 million won in election vehicle rental fees and other expenses for former senior prosecutor Kim Sang-min in preparation for his bid in the 22nd general election, has been sentenced to a fine in his second trial as well.

On the 23rd, Criminal Division 2-2 of the Seoul High Court (High Court Judges Hwang Seung-tae, Kim Young-hyun, and Baek Seung-hyeop) sentenced businessman Kim to a fine of 10 million won, upholding the lower court's ruling.

The court dismissed the appeal by the independent counsel team led by Min Joong-ki, determining that the lower court's sentence did not exceed a reasonable scope, taking into account factors such as the fact that former senior prosecutor Kim did not actually run in the election—meaning the impact on political fund transparency and election results was not significant—and that the defendant is showing remorse.

In the lower court, Kim's side argued that 35 million won of the illegal donation had been returned, but the court stated today, "It appears that the free-of-charge rental of that amount is not entirely denied, making the lower court's judgment appropriate."

The independent counsel team had demanded a two-year prison sentence, the same as in the first trial.

Businessman Kim was indicted on charges of covering approximately 42 million won for former senior prosecutor Kim's election vehicle rental fees, insurance, and other costs around December 2023, ahead of the 22nd general election.

Meanwhile, former senior prosecutor Kim was sentenced to a prison term with probation in his second trial on charges of receiving illegal donations from businessman Kim (violation of the Political Funds Act) and handing over an expensive painting to First Lady Kim Keon-hee in exchange for nomination favors (violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act), with his sentence finalized by the Supreme Court today.

The penalties consist of two years in prison with three years of probation for the violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, and one year in prison with three years of probation along with forfeiture of approximately 40 million won for the violation of the Political Funds Act.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
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