'Broker Who Handed Over Painting to Kim Sang-min Testifies: “I Heard the Artwork Was Going to Kim Keon-hee”'

[Financial News] A broker who mediated the sale of a painting by artist Lee Ufan to former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim Sang-min, who is on trial for allegedly requesting nominations and appointments in exchange for delivering the artwork, testified that he had heard the painting would be delivered to Kim Keon-hee.
On the 27th, Criminal Division 21 of the Seoul Central District Court continued the trial of Kim Sang-min, who has been detained and indicted on charges of violating the Political Funds Act.
At the hearing, another broker, Mr. Lee, who was asked by art broker Mr. Kang to help find a painting for Kim Sang-min, appeared as a witness. It was reported that Kim Sang-min purchased Lee Ufan's painting through Mr. Kang.
Mr. Lee testified that around January 2023, Mr. Kang asked him to look for a good painting because Kim Sang-min was interested in buying one. During the process, Mr. Kang mentioned that 'an important person is looking for it' and also used the term 'the First Lady.'
Because Mr. Kang referred to 'Mrs. Kim,' Mr. Lee explained that he assumed the painting would be delivered to the Presidential Office in Yongsan. Three or four days after the sale, Mr. Kang told him, 'It will be delivered to Kim Keon-hee, a person of refined taste.'
The court also disclosed messages exchanged between Mr. Kang and Kim Sang-min. According to the messages, Kim Sang-min asked, 'Please check discreetly. If it becomes known that the First Lady is looking for a painting, it could cause problems.' Mr. Kang replied, 'She prefers Korean painters, especially monochrome works,' sharing Kim Keon-hee's preferences. Mr. Kang captured the message and sent it to Mr. Lee, who explained, 'I think he wanted to show that the purchase was proceeding smoothly.'
Mr. Lee added that the painting underwent appraisal by the Korea Art Appraisal Institute and was confirmed to be authentic, selling for 140 million won. He also testified earlier to the Kim Keon Hee Special Prosecutor Team, 'I have traded many of Lee Ufan's works, and if it were a fake, it would not fetch such a price.'
Around February 2023, Kim Sang-min was accused of seeking to influence personnel appointments and nominations of former President Yoon Suk Yeol through Kim Keon-hee. The special prosecutor team concluded that Kim Sang-min delivered Lee Ufan's painting 'From Point,' worth approximately 140 million won, to Kim Keon-hee as part of the request. Although there was controversy over its authenticity, the team determined it was genuine and set the value accordingly.
Kim Sang-min continues to deny the charges. While he acknowledged delivering the painting to Kim Jin-woo, Kim Keon-hee’s older brother, he insisted that he only brokered the sale as a favor and not for the purpose of seeking nominations or appointments. He also argued that the painting was a forgery and should be valued at less than one million won.

theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter