A first-instance court sentenced Kim Keon-hee to seven years in prison this week in connection with a job-trading case [1].
The ruling marks a significant legal blow to Kim, as the court found her guilty of wrongdoing related to the alleged sale of public offices. The severity of the sentence and the accompanying asset seizures highlight the court's view on the gravity of the corruption charges.
In addition to the prison term, the court ordered the confiscation of 64.8 million won [1]. The judiciary also ordered the seizure of several luxury items, including a Lee Uwhan painting, a diamond Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, and a Tiffany brooch [2]. Other seized assets include a Dior pouch, a gold turtle storage box, and an empty box for a Boucheron Constantin watch [2].
Several co-defendants also received penalties in the ruling. Lee Bong-kwan was sentenced to one year in prison, though the execution of that sentence was suspended for two years [2]. Seo Seong-bin received 10 months of imprisonment, also with a two-year suspension of execution [2]. Additionally, Choi Abraham was ordered to pay a fine of 8 million won [2].
Defense attorney Chae Myung-sung said the legal team intends to appeal the decision. He said the process would be used to clarify any innocent portions of the case.
"We will appeal and clearly reveal any parts where she is innocent within the trial process," Chae said [1].
Chae also expressed a sense of irony regarding the outcome of the proceedings. "It is very regrettable, but in the end, isn't it a case of justice prevailing?" Chae said [1].
“A first-instance court sentenced Kim Keon-hee to seven years in prison this week.”
This sentencing represents a critical escalation in the legal challenges facing Kim Keon-hee. By imposing a lengthy prison term and targeting specific high-value luxury assets, the court has signaled a low tolerance for 'maegwan-maejik' — the practice of selling government positions. The outcome of the inevitable appeal will likely determine whether this verdict sets a new precedent for accountability regarding the influence-peddling of high-profile figures in South Korea.
