The prosecution has appealed the first-instance acquittal of Kim Bonghyun, former chairman of Star Mobility and a key figure in the "Lime scandal," who was indicted on charges of providing illegal political funds.
On December 24, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office submitted a notice of appeal to the Seoul Southern District Court regarding Kim's acquittal on charges of violating the Political Funds Act. As the first trial was presided over by a single judge, the appeal will also be heard by the Criminal Appellate Division of the same court.
Kim was brought to trial on charges of delivering a total of approximately 160 million won in cash and valuables in 2016 to former Democratic Party lawmaker Ki Dongmin, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sujin, former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Youngchun, and a former parliamentary candidate surnamed Kim. He was acquitted of all charges.
Former lawmaker Ki, lawmaker Lee, former minister Kim, and the former candidate Kim were all acquitted in the first instance in September. The prosecution has decided not to appeal the acquittals of lawmaker Lee and the former candidate Kim, but has filed appeals only against former lawmaker Ki and former minister Kim.
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