Kim Keonhee Cries in Appeals Court: "My Husband Doesn't Listen to My Requests"

Kim Keonhee, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in the first trial on charges of office-selling and bribery-mediation, denied all charges and appealed her innocence during the final sentencing hearing for her appeal.

Yesterday, the 15th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court held the final sentencing hearing for Kim, who was indicted under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes for mediating influence.

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

She continued, "With my husband becoming president, I lost everything, including my property and reputation. Former President Yoon is not someone who listens just because his wife asks him to."

She emphasized, "While I apologize for disappointing the public with my imprudent behavior, I cannot admit to things that I did not do."

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

She is also accused of receiving a golden turtle and the painting Seheando from former National Education Commission Chairperson Lee Bae-yong, as well as 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 seven years in prison, ordering the confiscation of the necklace, watch, and golden turtle, and imposing an additional collection of 64.8 million won.

The defense argued that the special counsel team failed to prove the connection between the favor requests and the valuables, requesting the lower court's ruling be overturned and an acquittal be granted.

On the other hand, the Kim Keonhee special counsel team maintained that it was clear the receipt of valuables was in exchange for personnel and business favors, requesting the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the original seven-year prison sentence.

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

The appellate court ruling is scheduled for 2 p.m. 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.