Former Prosecutor Kim Sangmin Appears for Detention Review Over 'Buying and Selling of Positions' Allegations... "Special Prosecutor Clearly Abusing Investigative Power"

"I Apologize for Causing Concern"
Detention Decision Expected as Early as Today
Accused of Violating Anti-Graft and Political Funds Laws
Kim Keonhee Listed as Recipient in Warrant

Former Chief Prosecutor Kim Sangmin, who is accused of handing over a painting worth over 100 million won to First Lady Kim Keonhee's side and requesting nomination and other favors, appeared in court on September 17 for a detention review. The decision on whether Kim will be detained is expected as early as late this afternoon.

Former Chief Prosecutor Kim Sangmin, involved in the 'Myung Taekyun Nomination Interference' case, appeared on the 9th as a suspect at the Kim Gunhee Special Prosecutor's Office set up in the KT Gwanghwamun Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, responding to questions from the press. 2025.9.9 Photo by Jo Yongjun

Kim appeared at the Seoul Central District Court to attend a warrant review hearing presided over by Judge Park Jungho, who is in charge of warrants, at 2:30 p.m. on this day.

Kim stated, "First, I deeply apologize for causing public concern due to my inappropriate conduct as a public official and my political immaturity." He continued, "The special prosecutor insists on detaining me first and then uncovering the truth, but this is a clear abuse of investigative power that violates the fundamental order of liberal democracy. Detention should never be used as a tool for political purposes or investigative convenience."

He is accused of delivering artist Lee Ufan's painting 'From Point No. 800298' to Kim Keonhee's brother, Kim Jinwoo, and requesting a nomination for the general election in April last year. In Kim's arrest warrant, Kim Keonhee is listed as the recipient of the painting. The special prosecutor team, led by Min Jungki, assessed the value of the painting at over 100 million won, which is the price Kim paid for it, regardless of its authenticity.

Kim denies the allegations, claiming, "I only brokered the purchase of the painting at Mr. Kim's request."

Kim is also charged with receiving political funds. He is suspected of having campaign vehicle rental fees paid on his behalf by an associate of Park, who is known as 'Jonber Kim,' while preparing to run in last year's general election. Park is currently on trial for allegedly issuing and listing the scam coin 'Podo,' and embezzling 80.9 billion won between February 2021 and April 2022.

In September 2023, while still serving as a chief prosecutor, Kim sent text messages to residents in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, saying he was "a Changwon native to the bone," and then pushed ahead with his candidacy for the general election, becoming the center of controversy. After being eliminated in the nomination screening process, Kim was appointed as a legal advisor to the National Intelligence Service in August last year. The special prosecutor team suspects that Kim Keonhee may have exerted influence over this appointment as well.