"My Husband Never Grants My Requests," Cries Kim Keon-hee in Emotional Appeal

Kim Keon-hee, who was sentenced to 7 years in prison in the first trial on charges of so-called "office-selling," denied all allegations and appealed for justice during the final sentencing hearing for her appeal.

Yesterday (the 9th), the 15th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court held the final appeal hearing for Kim, who was indicted on charges of mediation and receiving bribes under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes.

During her final statement, Kim choked back tears several times, saying, "I have never received anything in exchange for public office or state projects, nor have I ever used the president's authority to grant positions or business opportunities even once."

She continued, "I lost everything—my wealth and my reputation—when my husband became president," adding, "Former President Yoon is not someone who grants requests simply because his wife asks."

At the same time, she emphasized, "While I apologize for disappointing the public through my imprudent behavior, I cannot admit to things I did not do."

Kim is accused of receiving valuables worth 103.8 million won, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and Graff earrings, between March and May 2022 from Lee Bong-kwan, chairman of Sehee Engineering & Construction, in exchange for business favors and lobbying for the personnel appointment of his eldest son-in-law, Park Sung-geun, former chief of staff to the prime minister.

She is also accused of receiving a golden turtle and Sehando (a famous painting) from former National Education Commission Chairperson Lee Bae-yong that same year, and a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch from Seo Sung-bin in connection with a robot dog business.

The first trial found all of these charges guilty, sentencing her to 7 years in prison, confiscating the necklace, watch, and golden turtle, and ordering an additional collection of 64.8 million won.

Her defense counsel requested the court to overturn the original ruling and acquit her, arguing that the special counsel team failed to prove the connection between the favors and the valuables received.

On the other hand, the Kim Keon-hee special counsel team argued that it was clear the receipt of valuables was in exchange for personnel and business favors, and requested the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the original sentence of 7 years in prison.

The special counsel team added that given the influence of the president's spouse, even the statutory maximum sentence would not be enough.

The appellate sentencing hearing will be held at 2:00 PM on the 22nd.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Seo Byeong-wook | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.