A Fine of 1.5 Million Won Imposed in First Trial...
Prosecution Requests Same Fine as First Trial
Kim's Side Argues "Even the 1.5 Million Won Fine Is Excessive"
The prosecution has requested the same fine of 3 million won in the first trial for Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of former Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung, who was indicted on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.
On the 14th, at the second trial sentencing hearing of Kim's case on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act, held at the Suwon High Court Criminal Division 3 (Presiding Judge Kim Jong-gi), the prosecution requested the court to "impose a fine of 3 million won, the same as the original sentence."
The prosecution stated, "Considering the original judgment and the relationship between the defendant and her private secretary Bae Mo, it is clear that the defendant committed the crime of donation in this case. However, the defendant has repeatedly asserted the 'individual payment principle,' which she did not adhere to from the investigation stage to the appeal trial," adding, "She has not submitted any evidence to prove her innocence."
The prosecution continued, "The defendant is shifting responsibility to Bae and shows no remorse, trying to escape accountability by blaming a subordinate," and added, "She also shows an attitude of evading criminal responsibility by claiming abuse of prosecution rights as if the prosecution indicted with intent or by falsely asserting that there was an excessive investigation."
In her final defense, Kim's side emphasized that there is no direct evidence in the case, only presumptions. Kim's lawyer said, "As stated in the original judgment, there is no direct evidence, only the presumption that the defendant could not have been unaware of Bae's use of the corporate card," and added, "There is no evidence anywhere that Bae consulted with the defendant and that the defendant approved it."
They also argued that the first trial's fine of 1.5 million won was excessive. Kim's lawyer stated, "Even if it is judged that the defendant might have known about or tolerated Bae's card payments, I do not think this is a matter warranting a heavy sentence for the defendant," and said so.
In her final statement, Kim said, "When I first learned of this fact, I was very shocked and angry, but through the trial since last year, I have come to think that my failure to carefully oversee was also my fault," adding, "My husband and I took pride in conducting a clean election without spending money." She continued, "I have learned a lot over the past year and will be more cautious to avoid causing any harm to the public as the spouse of a public official. I ask the court for a wise judgment."
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