[theqoo] KIM KEON-HEE SHEDS TEARS IN FINAL STATEMENT... "LOST EVERYTHING AFTER MY HUSBAND BECAME PRESIDENT"

Ms. Kim, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in the first trial on charges of "trading offices", specifically accepting money and valuables in exchange for favors such as personnel appointments—sobbed during her closing argument in the appeal trial, pleading, "I ask that at least a modicum of my honor be preserved so that my entire life is not defined by this." The special prosecution team (led by Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki) demanded a seven-year prison sentence.

On the 9th, during the final hearing held by the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 15-3 (Presiding Judge Seong Eon-ju) regarding charges including the acceptance of bribes for influence-peddling under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes, Ms. Kim stated, "I apologize for causing concern to so many people due to my flawed conduct, and I will spend the rest of my life in repentance."

As Ms. Kim shed tears throughout her closing argument, the audience reacted emotionally; the court intervened to calm the spectators, noting that such behavior "does not help the defendant."

Ms. Kim remarked, "I should have been more prudent and resolute," adding, "While I will humbly accept reprimand, I cannot admit to things I did not do." She further asserted, "I have never received anything in exchange for public office or state projects, nor have I ever used the President's authority to grant positions or business opportunities."

She continued, "I was bedridden due to severe illness," adding, "False rumors circulated claiming I wielded power, but I was in no condition to do so." She also remarked, "I would have been far better off financially had I continued running my business and holding exhibitions as I did before marriage; instead, I lost everything when my husband became president."

The special prosecutor's team requested that the court dismiss the appeal filed by Ms. Kim's side, arguing that the original seven-year prison sentence was not excessive.

In its closing argument, the special prosecutor's team stated, "As the president's spouse, Ms. Kim was in a position to directly access the president and influence public decision-making," noting that "such access and influence were the primary motivations for those who provided the money and valuables." They further explained, "Although the charge of accepting bribes through solicitation was applied because she is not a public official, the nature of the offense, linking public influence to private financial gain, is similar to that of bribery."

Ms. Kim faces charges of accepting valuables worth 13.8 million won, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and Graff earrings, from Lee Bong-kwan, Chairman of Seohee Construction, between March 15 and May 20, 2022, while receiving requests for business favors and personnel appointments, including for her eldest son-in-law, Park Sung-keun (former Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister).

She is also accused of receiving a gold turtle and a replica of *Sehando* (a famous ink painting), valued at 2.65 million won, from Lee Bae-yong, former Chairperson of the National Education Commission, between April and June of the same year in exchange for personnel appointment favors. Additionally, she was charged with accepting a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch worth 39.9 million won from Seo Seong-bin, CEO of Dronedom, in September of that year in connection with a business-related request. She also faces charges of receiving Chanel perfume and cosmetics, alcohol, and a Dior bag from Pastor Choi Jae-young between June and September of the same year in return for favors related to the President's official duties.

The court of first instance acknowledged a quid pro quo relationship between the valuables received by Ms. Kim and the requests made, sentencing her to seven years in prison. It also ordered the forfeiture of 64.8 million won.

Chairman Lee, accused of providing money and valuables to First Lady Kim, was sentenced to one year in prison suspended for two years. CEO Seo received a sentence of ten months in prison suspended for two years, while Pastor Choi was fined 8 million won.

Among them, Chairman Lee, CEO Seo, and Pastor Choi did not appeal, nor did the special prosecutor, meaning the sentences from the first trial have been finalized.

original post: here

1. She declared martial law and plunged the people into terror, and now she's playing the victim, f*ck

2. Then she shouldn't have done all that, tsk tsk

3. After enjoying the sweet perks of power more than anyone else... tsk tsk

4. Who was that person who orchestrated the whole show, beating the drum, playing the gong, and performing the shamanistic ritual, just to seize power?

5. Is this supposed to be in 'Humor' category

6. So, you still won't admit you were in the wrong? You really haven't come to your senses yet

7. What is this bullsh*t

8. Just because you have a mouth, you spout off such rude nonsense

9. F*ck, why the hell did you make him president!!!!!!!!! There are probably people out there who lost everything because of you, so what the hell are you going on about? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

10. What kind of bullsh*t is this? You and your spouse had a sauna installed right inside the presidential office, and does it even make sense to have a First Lady's room in the actual workspace? You pulled off all sorts of absurd stunts that no one had ever even heard of before

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