The first trial verdict for Kim Bonghyun, former chairman of Star Mobility and the central figure in the Lime Asset Management scandal, who is accused of providing illegal political funds to former and current politicians, will be delivered on December 17.
On this day at 2 p.m., Judge Seo Youngwoo of the 12th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court will hold the sentencing hearing for former chairman Kim and former Star Mobility CEO Lee Kangse, both indicted on charges of violating the Political Funds Act. Previously, prosecutors had sought eight months in prison for both Kim and Lee last month.
They are accused of delivering a total of 160 million won in cash and valuables in 2016 to former lawmaker Ki Dongmin of the Democratic Party of Korea, lawmaker Lee Sujin of the Democratic Party of Korea, former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Youngchun, and Kim, a former National Assembly pre-candidate.
Prosecutors believe that between February and April 2016, former chairman Kim provided 100 million won in political funds and a suit worth 2 million won to former lawmaker Ki under the pretext of facilitating permits related to the Yangjae-dong cargo terminal site in Seocho-gu, Seoul. They also determined that 5 million won in political funds was given to lawmaker Lee and former minister Kim, and 50 million won was provided to Kim, the pre-candidate.
However, on September 1, former lawmaker Ki, lawmaker Lee, former minister Kim, and Kim, the pre-candidate, were all acquitted in their first trial. At the time, the court stated, "It is difficult to consider the main evidence presented by the prosecution, such as Kim Bonghyun's testimony and notebook, to be credible."
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