An appellate court convicted former senior prosecutor Kim Sang-min of illegal solicitation after he gave a genuine Lee U-hwan painting to First Lady Kim Keon-hee [1].

The ruling marks a significant reversal from the first-instance trial and highlights the legal risks associated with political favors involving the highest levels of government power.

The court found that Kim Sang-min used the artwork to solicit political favors in February 2023 [1], [3]. Specifically, the prosecutor sought a party nomination for the husband of First Lady Kim Keon-hee [1]. During the proceedings, the court verified that the Lee U-hwan painting was authentic [1], [2].

In the first-instance trial, Kim had been sentenced to six months of imprisonment, suspended for three years [1]. However, the appellate court increased the severity of the judgment. The court sentenced him to three years of imprisonment, suspended for three years, and imposed a fine of approximately 4.1 billion won [1].

Beyond the solicitation charges, the court also upheld a violation of the political-fund law [1], [2]. A news anchor for YTN said, "Former senior prosecutor Kim Sang-min was found guilty in the second trial."

The case centered on whether the painting constituted an illegal bribe intended to influence political appointments. By confirming the authenticity of the artwork, the court established the high value of the gift, which contributed to the substantial fine imposed on the former prosecutor [1].

“The court verified that the Lee U-hwan painting was authentic.”

This conviction underscores the South Korean judiciary's scrutiny of 'influence peddling' involving the presidential family. The shift from a lenient first-instance sentence to a heavy fine and longer suspended term suggests the appellate court viewed the use of high-value art for political nominations as a severe breach of public trust and legal ethics.