'Bribery Allegations' Case of Kim Sang-min to Conclude Pleadings Next Month... First Instance Verdict Expected Early Next Year

[Financial News] The trial of former deputy chief prosecutor Kim Sang-min, who was indicted on allegations of delivering a painting by Lee Ufan and making solicitations for nominations and appointments, is expected to conclude pleadings next month, with a verdict anticipated early next year.
On the 20th, the 21st Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Hyunbok Lee, held the first trial for Kim Sang-min, who was indicted and detained on charges of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act and the Political Funds Act.
The court announced its plan to conclude the first instance pleadings on December 16.
The presiding judge stated, "On December 16, we will proceed with the remaining evidence examination, the defendant's final arguments, and closing statements. If necessary, the defendant will also be questioned on that day. Please cooperate so that the hearing can be concluded on that date."
Given the general practice in the legal community where a verdict is typically delivered within a month after pleadings conclude, a first instance decision is likely to be reached early next year.
An art broker who was scheduled to testify as a witness that day was unable to attend due to personal reasons, so the witness examination is planned for the next hearing.
Kim Sang-min is accused of soliciting nominations and appointments from former President Yoon Suk Yeol through Kim Keon-hee in February 2023. The special prosecutor team determined that Kim delivered Lee Ufan's painting 'From Point,' valued at approximately 140 million won, to Kim Keon-hee as part of the solicitation. Although there was controversy over the authenticity of the artwork, the special prosecutor team concluded it was genuine and set the value accordingly.
Kim's defense continues to deny the charges. While they acknowledge that the painting was delivered to Kim Jin-woo, Kim Keon-hee's elder brother, they claim it was merely an art brokerage transaction. The defense further argued that the brokerage was conducted out of personal acquaintance and not for the purpose of influencing nominations or public appointments. They also asserted that the painting in question is a forgery and should be valued at less than one million won.
theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter