Note Secured in Home Search: "Thank You for Your Help"
Gift Deemed Quid Pro Quo for March 8 Party Convention
Special Prosecutor: "Power-Related Corruption Undermining Party Democracy"
Kim Gi-hyeon Denies Charges, Citing "Social Courtesy"
Further Investigation into Presidential Involvement Requested by National Office of Investigation
On December 27, one day before the end of its investigation period, the special prosecutor team led by Min Junggi indicted Kim Gi-hyeon, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, and his wife Lee, without detention, on charges of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act for allegedly delivering an expensive bag to First Lady Kim Keonhee.
According to the special prosecutor, the lawmaker and his wife are accused of providing a Roger Vivier clutch bag worth approximately 2.67 million won to Mrs. Kim on March 17, 2023. During a search of Mrs. Kim's residence on November 6, the special prosecutor secured the bag in question along with a note that read, "Thank you for helping Kim win the party leadership." The special prosecutor emphasized that the timing of the gift-immediately after the People Power Party's March 8 convention-suggests it was given in return for securing the party leadership.
The special prosecutor defined this case as a power-related corruption scandal, noting it revealed evidence of presidential involvement in the ruling party's leadership race and constituted a serious crime that undermined party democracy. The team stated it would do its utmost to maintain the prosecution so that the defendants receive strict sentences. In response, Kim Gi-hyeon denied the charges, claiming, "As the spouse of the newly elected ruling party leader, the gift was given as a matter of social courtesy."
Meanwhile, with the investigation period set to end on December 28, the special prosecutor determined that further investigation is needed into allegations of bribery involving former President Yoon Sukyeol and his wife, and has transferred the case to the National Office of Investigation. The special prosecutor explained that due to a lack of cooperation from those involved, there were limitations in fully clarifying the extent of presidential involvement.
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