Kim Keon Hee’s side admits receiving valuables but denies ‘selling public offices,’ says special counsel reconstructed case

The Financial News reported that first lady Kim Keon Hee, who has been indicted on charges of receiving money and valuables and accepting requests for personnel appointments, has denied the allegations in court.
On the 17th, Criminal Agreement Division 21 of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Presiding Judge Cho Soon-pyo of the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division, held the first trial for Kim on charges including brokered bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes.
Kim’s legal team acknowledged that she received valuables but rejected the allegation of so-called selling public offices and pleaded not guilty.
Her attorney stated, “We acknowledge that some items were received, but we categorically deny any quid pro quo arising from requests or brokerage,” adding, “The special counsel reconstructed the case based solely on subsequent outcomes, without any direct evidence.”
Kim’s side first admitted receiving a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a Graff necklace, and a Tiffany & Co. necklace from Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-gwan, the so-called NATO three-piece set of jewelry. They argued that these items were merely congratulatory gifts for the election victory and not compensation tied to any specific request. Her lawyer said, “Kim did not intervene at all in the appointment of Park Sung-geun, the chairman’s eldest son-in-law and a former prosecutor, to public office, and she later returned the necklaces.”
They also acknowledged that she received a gold turtle ornament from former Chairperson of the National Education Commission Lee Bae-yong. However, Kim’s side argued, “It was given in return for high-end cosmetics that Kim had gifted earlier,” and denied that it was linked to any personnel request.
Regarding the allegation that she received a Vacheron Constantin watch worth about 39.9 million won from robotic guard dog entrepreneur Seo Sung-bin, along with a request to support a Presidential Security Service (PSS) project, the defense insisted that it was only a proxy purchase arrangement and that no bribe was taken.
Kim admitted receiving a Christian Dior handbag from Pastor Choi Jae-young but claimed it was part of a sting orchestrated by the pastor and that there was no request attached. As for the painting by artist Lee Ufan that former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim Sang-min allegedly gave her along with lobbying for a party nomination, her side said, “She neither received the painting nor was asked for any favor.”
Kim’s side also expressed contrition. Her attorney said, “The defendant is deeply remorseful for her lack of prudence in her conduct,” but added, “Criticism of careless behavior and criminal punishment must be strictly distinguished.”
Among the co-defendants who allegedly provided the valuables, Chairman Lee admitted the charges. His side said, “We fully acknowledge the indictment and deeply regret our actions,” and requested that the trial be concluded. The court accepted this, after which the special counsel sought a one-year prison term for him.
By contrast, former chairperson Lee and Seo denied the charges and argued that they should not have been targets of the special counsel’s investigation. They also contended that the quid pro quo element in the alleged benefits Kim received from Chairman Lee and Pastor Choi needed to be established more clearly. The court remarked, “Even for the first lady, accepting valuables is inappropriate, but brokered bribery is established only if a quid pro quo relationship is proven. Based on the indictment alone, that relationship appears somewhat weak.”
Prosecutors allege that between around March 15 and May 20, 2022, Kim received jewelry worth a total of about 103.8 million won from Chairman Lee in return for business favors and for lobbying on behalf of his son-in-law, former prosecutor Park Sung-geun, regarding his appointment. The items included a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a Graff necklace, and a Tiffany & Co. brooch, which became known as the jewelry she wore during her NATO tour.
She is also charged with receiving a gold turtle ornament worth about 2.65 million won from former Chairperson Lee Bae-yong between around April 26 and June 2022 in connection with lobbying for her appointment as Chairperson of the National Education Commission. Kim additionally faces charges over the Vacheron Constantin watch. The Special Prosecutor’s Team for Kim Kun-hee alleges that on September 8, 2022, she received a Vacheron Constantin watch worth about 39.9 million won from Seo in return for helping him secure a PSS robotic guard dog project.
Kim is further accused of receiving a Lee Ufan painting worth about 140 million won from former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim Sang-min around February 2023, ahead of the 22nd general election, in exchange for lobbying for a party nomination. Former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim was acquitted of this charge at the first-instance trial.
In addition, the Special Prosecutor’s Team for Kim Kun-hee has included the Dior handbag she received from Pastor Choi in the indictment. Kim is accused of accepting luxury handbags and other items totaling about 5.4 million won between around June 20 and September 13, 2022, in connection with requests for favors.
The next hearing is scheduled for the 20th.
theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter