Trial of Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon and Wife Over 'Roger Vivier Clutch Gift to Kim Keon-hee' Wraps Up Today

The first-instance trial of People Power Party lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon and his wife, who were indicted on charges of gifting a Roger Vivier clutch bag to Kim Keon-hee in exchange for support in the party leadership election, wraps up today (the 28th).

The 22nd Criminal Settlement Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Cho Hyung-woo) will hold the sentencing hearing for Rep. Kim and his wife on charges of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act at 2 p.m. today.

During the sentencing hearing, the special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki will present its final arguments and sentencing recommendations, followed by the defense's final arguments and closing statements from Rep. Kim and his wife, after which the court will announce the ruling date.

Rep. Kim and his wife are accused of providing the Roger Vivier clutch bag to Kim on March 17, 2023, in exchange for mobilizing Unification Church followers to support his bid in the People Power Party leadership election held on March 8 of the same year.

Investigations showed that Rep. Kim's spouse delivered the bag, and the payment was drawn from Rep. Kim's parliamentary salary account.

The special counsel team concluded that the couple gifted the bag in connection with official presidential duties, applying charges of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

While acknowledging that his spouse gifted the bag, Rep. Kim has maintained that there was no illicit solicitation and that it was merely a matter of social courtesy.

He also argued that the special counsel team's seizure of the Roger Vivier clutch bag from Kim's private residence was unlawful.

Testifying as a witness in the trial on August 10, Kim acknowledged receiving the Roger Vivier clutch bag from Rep. Kim's spouse, but stated that she did not recall receiving it directly and discovered it later at the presidential residence.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.