"This is expensive, try it"‥ Court sentences Assemblyman Kim Han-jung to a fine of 1.5 million won... 'Disqualification from election'

Democratic Party of Korea Assemblyman Kim Han-jung [Photo captured from Assemblyman Kim's blog]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] The court sentenced Kim Han-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Namyangju Eul, to a fine of 1.5 million won, which corresponds to a disqualification from election, on charges of providing premium liquor to local residents ahead of the general election.

The Criminal Division 13 of Uijeongbu District Court (Presiding Judge Jung Da-ju) stated regarding Representative Kim, "The election law explicitly prohibits alcoholic beverages by listing them as a separate item repeatedly to prevent elections from becoming corrupt due to the exchange of alcohol," and delivered this sentence on the 15th.

In the judgment, the court explained the sentencing rationale: "The high-priced imported liquor, close to 1 million won, is a special item, and the attendees testified that the defendant said, 'This is expensive, try it.' The attendees were also operators of local communities with 10,000 to over 20,000 members, who could influence the election."

Kim was indicted for donating about 700,000 won worth of 30-year-old liquor during a meal with four online local community administrators in October last year, ahead of the 21st general election.

Earlier, in December last year, the prosecution requested a fine of 1.5 million won for Kim, stating, "Kim admitted all the charges and agreed with all the submitted evidence."

According to the Public Official Election Act, a member of the National Assembly is disqualified from election if sentenced to a fine of 1 million won or more for violating election laws.