Key Figure in Lime Scandal Kim Bong-hyun "I Believe 50 Million Won Was Delivered to Former Chief Kang Ki-jung"..."Complete Fraud"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun, who is considered the main culprit in the Lime Asset Management scandal, testified that he delivered 50 million won to former Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Kang Ki-jung through "Lee Gang-se, CEO of Star Mobility," who is suspected to be a political connection.

On the 8th, Kim appeared at the trial of Lee at the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Lee Hwan-seung), which was held on charges including embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, evidence concealment, and violation of the Attorney-at-Law Act, and testified to this effect.

Kim said, "I visited the office of Assemblyman Kim, a member of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, together with Lee Jong-pil, Vice President of Lime, through an introduction from an acquaintance." He added, "Assemblyman Kim listened and said he would help, then called the Financial Supervisory Service directly."

He continued, "Shortly after, Lee said, 'I am scheduled to meet a senior secretary at the Blue House, but I need funds,' and asked for 'five units.' Around July last year, I handed over 50 million won in cash in a shopping bag," he testified.

Kim said, "Lee contacted me again," adding, "I heard that the senior secretary personally called Director Kim Sang-jo and strongly said in front of him that 'there seem to be many unfair aspects.'

When the defense asked, "Did you think the money was delivered to former Senior Secretary Kang?" Kim replied, "I thought it was delivered because I was told it would be taken into the Blue House after the contact."

The prosecution believes that Lee met with former Senior Secretary Kang and others, whom he knew well, to ask for help in resolving the Lime scandal on behalf of Kim. However, Lee's side denies ever receiving money from Kim and delivering it, stating that meetings with former Senior Secretary Kang were for Star Mobility business.

Former Senior Secretary Kang also stated on his Facebook that "the allegations of bribery related to me in Kim's testimony are complete fraud," and said, "I will take legal action both civilly and criminally."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.