Kim Keon-hee, who was indicted on charges of so-called influence-peddling involving the receipt of high-end precious metals in exchange for various government appointments and business favors, has had her prison sentence reduced on appeal.

The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 15-3 (Presiding Judges Sung Eon-joo, Won Ik-sun, and Lee Hee-joon) sentenced Kim, who was indicted under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes for mediation influence, to 5 years in prison.

The court also ordered the confiscation of an authentic painting by artist Lee Ufan, along with a Van Cleef necklace and brooch, and ordered an additional collection of 24.4 million won.

The first trial had sentenced her to 7 years in prison and ordered confiscation along with an additional collection of 64.8 million won.

The sentence was reduced because the charge that Kim received a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch worth approximately 39.9 million won from a robot dog businessman surnamed Seo in September 2022, in exchange for a business support favor, was overturned and ruled not guilty in the appeal.

The charge of receiving a replica of Sehando worth about 500,000 won from former National Education Commission Chairperson Lee Bae-yong was also ruled not guilty on the grounds that it was not proven to have been received in exchange for an appointment favor.

The remaining charges were upheld as guilty, matching the first trial.

The court recognized that between March 15 and May 20, 2022, Kim received precious metals worth a total of 103.8 million won, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a Tiffany & Co. brooch, and Graff earrings, from Chairman Lee Bong-kwan in exchange for a favor concerning the appointment of his eldest son-in-law.

The court also found her guilty of receiving items such as a Dior bag worth a total of 5.4 million won from Pastor Choi Jae-young between June and September of the same year, in connection with official duties.

In addition, the court found her guilty of receiving a gold turtle worth 2.15 million won from former National Education Commission Chairperson Lee Bae-yong on April 26 of the same year, in exchange for an appointment favor.

She was also found guilty of receiving a painting by artist Lee Ufan worth 140 million won from former senior prosecutor Kim Sang-min around February 2023 in connection with a nomination favor.

Regarding the sentencing, the court stated, "This case is a power-based influence-peddling case in which valuables were received under the guise of mediation related to the duties of a public official."

It further rebuked her, saying, "The defendant forgot her status as the spouse of the president and repeatedly received valuables without hesitation."

(Photo: Yonhap News)