Kim Keonhee, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in the first trial on charges of so-called "selling and buying government posts," denied all charges and appealed for fairness during her final appellate hearing.

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

Breaking into tears several times during her closing statement, Kim said, "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, not even once."

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

She added, "While I apologize for disappointing the public with my thoughtless behavior, I cannot admit to things that 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 SEOHEE Construction, in exchange for business convenience and a request to appoint his eldest son-in-law, former Prime Secretary of State Park Sung-keun.

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

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

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

On the other hand, the special counsel team for Kim Keonhee stated 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 seven years in prison.

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

The appellate ruling is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on the 22nd.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Seo Byeong-wook | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News